Specimen retrieval device

ABSTRACT

A specimen retrieval device is having a housing, an outer shaft, and an inner shaft releasably supporting a pouch. The device may further include a stripper plate operably coupled to the inner shaft for movement between a retracted configuration, in which the pouch and the stripper plate are within the outer shaft, and a deployed configuration, in which the pouch and the stripper plate are outside of the outer shaft. The stripper plate may define major and minor axes, wherein the dimension along the major axis is greater than the inner diameter of the outer shaft, and the dimension along the minor axis is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer shaft. The stripper plate may include one or more apertures, e.g., to receive a support mechanism of the device, or a suture. The device may also include structure preventing premature deployment of the pouch and the stripper plate.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/869,141, filed on Aug. 23,2013, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 61/899,353,61/899,357, 61/899,361, and 61/899,365, all filed on Nov. 4, 2013, andU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/948,936, filed on Mar.6, 2014. The entire content of each of the above-identified applicationsis hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to specimen retrieval devices. Morespecifically, the present disclosure relates to specimen retrievaldevices including a detachable pouch, structure to facilitate detachmentof the pouch, and/or structure to prevent inadvertent detachment of thepouch.

Background of Related Art

Laparoscopic and endoscopic surgical procedures are minimally invasiveprocedures in which operations are carried out within the body by meansof elongated instruments inserted through small entrance or accessopenings in the body, e.g., an opening defined by a natural passagewayof the body, an opening created by a tissue piercing instrument (e.g., atrocar), etc.

Minimally invasive procedures are often used to partially or totallyremove body tissue or organs from the interior of the body, e.g.nephrectomy, cholecystectomy, duodenectomy, ileectomy, jejunectomy andother such procedures. During such procedures, it is common thataffected tissue or organs must be removed via the access opening in theskin, or through a cannula. Various types of retrieval devices are knownin the art to facilitate these procedures.

Conventional retrieval devices typically include an elongated applicatorincluding a handle at a proximal end that is operable to deploy a pouchor other suitable containment device from a distal shaft. The pouch maybe perforated and releasably coupled to a support member along theperforations. As a result of the perforations on the pouch, the pouchmay be detached from the support member by tearing along theperforations.

The pouch is typically folded or rolled and stored within an outer shaftduring packaging and shipping of the retrieval device. However, shippingthe pouch in this folded or rolled manner may result in undesirablememory wrinkles being formed thereon, which, in turn, may make it moredifficult for a clinician to open the pouch when it is deployed from theapplicator.

One or more devices or components may be utilized to separate the pouchfrom the spring to facilitate removal, e.g., a stripper plate.Typically, once the pouch is deployed from the distal shaft and theretrieval device is manipulated to capture a specimen, releasing thepouch from the support member may be facilitated by the stripper plate.As can be appreciated, it is advantageous to ship the stripper plate ina retracted orientation to reduce the risk of inadvertent detachment ofthe pouch from the spring. Thus, there exists a need to provide aretrieval device that can be packaged and shipped with the pouch in adeployed position and the stripper plate 14 in a retracted position. Inaddition, there exists a need for a retrieval device that includesstructure to prevent inadvertent deployment of the stripper plate fromthe retracted position during shipping and during initial handling ofthe retrieval device.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the disclosure is directed to a specimen retrieval deviceincluding a housing, an outer shaft extending distally from the housingand defining a longitudinal bore and an inner shaft movably disposedwithin the longitudinal bore of the outer shaft. A retention member ismovably supported on a distal end of the inner shaft and a pouch issupported on a distal end of the inner shaft. The retention member ismovably supported in relation to the inner shaft from a first positionpreventing separation of the pouch from the distal end of the innershaft to a second position permitting separation of the pouch from theinner shaft.

In some embodiments, the distal end of the inner shaft includes at leastone protrusion and the pouch defines at least one opening. The at leastone protrusion of the inner shaft is received within the at least oneopening of the pouch to support the pouch on the distal end of the innershaft.

In embodiments, the retention member is configured to engage the atleast one protrusion to prevent separation of the pouch from the atleast one protrusion.

In certain embodiments, each of the at least one protrusion defines abore and the retention member is configured to extend through the boreto retain the pouch on the at least one protrusion.

In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion includes twoprotrusions and the at least one opening includes two openings.

In embodiments, the retention member includes a bifurcated member havinga first portion configured to extend through the opening in one of thetwo protrusions and a second portion configured to extend through theopening in the other protrusion.

In certain embodiments, a sled is operably coupled to the retentionmember via at least one coupling device and the sled is movablysupported on the inner shaft proximally of the retention member.

In some embodiments, the at least one coupling device is a wire having adistal end coupled to a proximal end of the retention member and aproximal end coupled to a distal end of the sled.

In embodiments, the housing defines a stop member and the sled includesa resilient finger portion that is positioned to engage the stop memberwhen the inner shaft is in a fully retracted position such that uponmovement of the inner shaft distally from the fully retracted positiontowards an extended position, the inner shaft initially movesindependently of the sled and the retention member to disengage theretention member from the at least one protrusion of the inner shaft.

In certain embodiments, the sled is movably supported within a notchdefined on the inner shaft. The notch may extend along a top wallportion of the inner shaft.

In some embodiments, the inner shaft includes a wall portion that isconfigured to urge the resilient finger portion of the sled downwardlywhen the inner shaft is moved distally in relation to the outer shaftfrom the fully retracted position towards the extended position todisengage the resilient finger portion from the stop member of thehousing.

In embodiments, the stop member is defined along an interior wall of thehousing.

In some embodiments, a cover plate is operably disposed adjacent thedistal end of the inner shaft and is configured to secure the retentionmember to the inner shaft.

Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to a specimen retrievaldevice that includes a housing, an outer shaft extending distally fromthe housing and defining a longitudinal bore, a pouch including at leastone tab, and an inner shaft disposed within the longitudinal bore of theouter shaft and releasably supporting the pouch at a distal end thereof.The inner shaft may include at least one protrusion configured toreleasably engage the at least one proximal tab of the pouch. A sled anda retention member are slidingly disposed on the inner shaft and theretention member is configured to engage the at least one protrusion ofthe inner shaft to secure the pouch to the inner shaft. At least onecoupling member is provided for coupling the sled to the retentionmember. A stop member is supported on the housing and is positioneddistally of and in alignment with the sled when the inner shaft is in afully retracted position, wherein distal translation of the inner shaftin relation to the outer shaft from the fully retracted position towardsan extended position causes the sled to engage the stop member of thehousing to cause the inner shaft to move distally independently of thesled and the retention member to effect disengagement of the retentionmember from the at least one protrusion of the inner shaft to facilitaterelease of the pouch from the inner shaft.

In embodiments, the sled includes a resilient finger portion configuredto engage the stop member of the housing when the inner shaft is moveddistally in relation to the outer shaft from the fully retractedposition towards the extended position.

In certain embodiments, the sled is slidably received within a notchthat is defined on the inner shaft. A top wall portion of the innershaft may be configured to urge the resilient finger of the sleddownwardly when the inner shaft is moved distally in relation to theouter shaft to disengage the resilient finger from the stop member.

In some embodiments, the stop member is defined along an interior wallof the housing.

In embodiments, the at least one protrusion defines a bore configured toreceive a distal end of the retention member to releasably secure thepouch to the inner shaft such that distal movement of the inner shaft inrelation to the retention member disengages the retention member fromthe bore of the at least one protrusion.

In certain embodiments, each of the at least one protrusion includes aproximal chamfer to facilitate separation of the pouch from the innershaft.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a specimen retrieval deviceincludes a housing, an outer shaft extending distally from the housingand defining a longitudinal bore and a longitudinal axis, an inner shaftdisposed within the longitudinal bore of the outer shaft, a supportmechanism extending from a distal end of the inner shaft, a pouchsupported on the support mechanism at the distal end of the inner shaft,and a stripper plate supported within a distal end of the outer shaft.The stripper plate defines a first aperture configured to receive thesupport mechanism and is movable in response to distal movement of theinner shaft from a retracted position disposed within the distal end ofthe outer shaft to a deployed position wherein the stripper plate isdisposed outside of the outer shaft. When the stripper plate is in thedeployed configuration, proximal movement of the inner shaft relative tothe outer shaft causes the stripper plate to engage a distal end of theouter shaft and the pouch to engage a leading end of the stripper platesuch that further proximal movement of the inner shaft effectsseparation of the pouch from the support mechanism of the inner shaft.

In some embodiments, the stripper plate has a generally ellipticalconfiguration defining major and minor axes. The stripper plate isoriented within the distal end of the outer shaft in a retractedposition to define a first angle with respect to the longitudinal axisof the outer shaft and is positioned externally of the outer shaft in adeployed position to define a second angle with respect to thelongitudinal axis of the outer shaft.

In embodiments, a width of the minor axis is smaller than an innerdiameter of the outer shaft and a width of the major axis is greaterthan the inner diameter of the outer shaft.

In certain embodiments, the stripper plate includes a second aperturewherein the first aperture of the stripper plate has a generallycircumferential shape and is configured to receive the support mechanismand the second aperture has a generally triangular shape and isconfigured to receive a cinch of the specimen retrieval device.

In some embodiments, the second aperture is further defined by an upperfirst portion, an upper second portion and a lower portion. Each of theupper first and second portions is defined by generally circumferentialwalls and the lower portion is defined by a generally concave wall.

In embodiments, first and second opposing channels are provided betweenthe upper first and second portions, respectively, and the lower portionwherein the upper first and second portions are configured to receiveportions of the cinch of the specimen retrieval device. In embodiments,the upper first and second portions are sized proportionally to thecinch to exert a drag force thereupon as the cinch is being pulledthrough the first and second portions.

In some embodiments, the leading end of the stripper plate includes agenerally planar configuration.

In certain embodiments, the stripper plate includes a trailing end and abeveled peripheral wall defining an angle in relation to the leading endof the stripper plate that ranges from 25 degrees to 45 degrees. In theretracted position, the first angle of the stripper plate may range from1 degree to 75 degrees. In the deployed position, the second angle ofthe stripper plate may range from about 76 degrees to about 90 degrees.

In embodiments, a wedge member is releasably coupled to a proximal endof the inner shaft and is configured to prevent distal movement of theinner shaft relative to the outer shaft to a fully extended position toprevent the stripper plate from being moved to the deployed position.

In some embodiments, the at least one aperture of the stripper plate isfurther defined by first and second apertures wherein the first apertureof the stripper plate has a generally circumferential shape and isconfigured to receive the support mechanism and the second aperture hasa generally triangular shape and is configured to receive a cinch of thespecimen retrieval device.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the specimen retrievaldevice includes a housing, an outer shaft extending distally from thehousing and defining a longitudinal bore and a longitudinal axis, aninner shaft disposed within the longitudinal bore of the outer shaft, apouch, a support mechanism secured to the distal end of the inner shaftconfigured to releasably support the pouch and a stripper platesupported on the support mechanism. The stripper plate has first andsecond apertures configured to receive the support mechanism and a cinchof the specimen retrieval device, respectively. The stripper plate ismovable from a retracted position disposed within the outer shaft andoriented at a first angle relative to the longitudinal axis to adeployed position disposed outside of the outer shaft and oriented at asecond angle relative to the longitudinal axis. When the stripper plateis in the deployed position, proximal movement of the inner shaftrelative to the outer shaft causes a trailing end of the stripper plateto contact a distal end of the outer shaft and the pouch to engage aleading end of the stripper plate such that further proximal movement ofthe inner shaft in relation to the outer shaft from an extended positiontowards a retracted position uncouples the pouch from the supportmechanism of the inner shaft.

In embodiments, the stripper plate includes a generally ellipticalconfiguration defining a major and a minor axis. A width of the minoraxis is smaller than an inner diameter of the outer shaft and a width ofthe major axis is greater than the inner diameter of the outer shaft.

In some embodiments, the first aperture of the stripper plate has agenerally circumferential shape and is configured to receive the supportmechanism and the second aperture has a generally triangular shape andis configured to receive a cinch of the specimen retrieval device.

In some embodiments, the second aperture is further defined by an upperfirst portion, an upper second portion and a lower portion. Each of theupper first and second portions is defined by generally circumferentialwalls and the lower portion is defined by a lower generally concavewall.

In certain embodiments, first and second opposing channels are providedbetween the upper first and second portions, respectively, and the lowerportion.

In embodiments, the upper first and second portions are sizedproportionally to the cinch to exert a drag force upon the cinch as thecinch is being pulled through the first or second portions.

In some embodiments, the leading end of the stripper plate has agenerally planar configuration.

In certain embodiments, the stripper plate includes a generally ovalshaped peripheral wall beveled at an angle that ranges from 25 degreesto 45 degrees in relation to the leading end of the stripper plate.

In embodiments, in the refracted position, the first angle of thestripper plate ranges from 1 degree to 75 degrees, and, in the deployedposition, the second angle of the stripper plate ranges from 76 degreesto 90 degrees.

In some embodiments, a wedge member is releasably coupled to the innershaft adjacent a proximal end of the inner shaft and is configured toprevent distal movement of the inner shaft relative to the outer shaftto a fully extended position to prevent the stripper shaft from beingmoved to the deployed position.

In embodiments, the first aperture of the stripper plate has a generallycircumferential shape and is configured to receive the support mechanismand the second aperture has a generally triangular shape and isconfigured to receive a cinch of the specimen retrieval device.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a specimen retrievaldevice includes an outer shaft defining a longitudinal bore and alongitudinal axis and including a blocking member, an inner shaftmovably disposed within the longitudinal bore of the outer shaft anddefining proximal and distal apertures, a support mechanism secured to adistal end of the inner shaft, a pouch releasably supported on thesupport mechanism, and an actuation device configured to engage theproximal end of the inner shaft. The actuation device includes at leastone inwardly extending protrusion configured to be received within oneof the proximal and distal apertures of the inner shaft to secure theactuation device to the inner shaft. In a partially retracted positionof the inner shaft, the at least one inwardly extending protrusion ofthe actuation device is positioned within the distal aperture of theinner shaft to releasably secure the actuation device to the inner shaftin a first position, wherein proximal movement of the inner shaftrelative to the outer shaft from the partially retracted positiontowards a fully retracted position moves the blocking member of theouter shaft into the distal aperture of the inner shaft to move the atleast one protrusion of the actuation device from the distal aperture ofthe inner shaft to disengage the actuation device from the inner shaft.Upon disengagement of the at least one protrusion from the distalaperture, the actuation device is movable proximally independently ofthe inner shaft to a position in which the at least one protrusion ofthe actuation device is received in the proximal aperture of the innershaft to resecure the actuation device to the inner shaft in a secondposition.

In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion is supported on aresilient arm of the actuation device.

In certain embodiments, the inner shaft further includes at least onegroove that communicates with the distal aperture.

In embodiments, the at least one groove is configured to receive the atleast one blocking member of the housing when the inner shaft is movedproximally in relation to the outer shaft from the partially retractedposition to the fully retracted position of the inner shaft.

In some embodiments, a stripper plate is supported adjacent the supportmechanism within the outer shaft in the partially retracted position ofthe inner shaft and the stripper plate is moved to a deployed positionin response to movement of the inner shaft to a fully extended position.

In embodiments, the blocking member is positioned on an interior wall ofthe outer shaft.

In some embodiments, the proximal and distal apertures are furtherdefined by a pair of proximal apertures and a pair of distal apertures,the at least one blocking member of the housing is further defined by apair blocking members, and the at least one protrusion of the actuationdevice is further defined by a pair of protrusions.

In some embodiments, the outer shaft includes a housing portion and anouter shaft portion.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the specimen retrievaldevice includes an outer shaft defining a longitudinal bore and havingan inwardly extending blocking member, an inner shaft disposed withinthe longitudinal bore of the outer shaft and including proximal anddistal apertures defined along the inner shaft, a support mechanismsecured to a distal end of the inner shaft configured to releasablysupport a pouch of the specimen retrieval device, and an actuationdevice including at least one protrusion extending towards the innershaft. The at least one protrusion is configured to be received withinone of the proximal and distal apertures to releasably secure theactuation device to the inner shaft in two different positions. The atleast one blocking member is aligned with the distal aperture of theinner shaft such that when the at least one protrusion is receivedwithin the distal aperture, proximal movement of the inner shaft inrelation to the outer shaft moves the at least one blocking member intoengagement with the at least one protrusion to cam the at least oneprotrusion of the actuation device from within the distal aperture ofthe inner shaft to disengage the actuation device from the inner shaft.Subsequent proximal movement of the actuation device relative to theinner and outer shafts causes the at least one protrusion to move intothe proximal aperture of the inner shaft to resecure the actuationdevice to the inner shaft at a position further proximally of thehousing.

In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion is supported on aresilient arm of the actuation device.

In embodiments, the inner shaft further includes at least one groovethat communicates with the distal aperture. The at least one groove isconfigured to receive the at least one blocking member of the outershaft when the inner shaft is moved distally in relation to the outershaft.

In some embodiments, a stripper plate is supported adjacent a distal endof the inner shaft within the outer shaft.

In certain embodiments, the blocking member is positioned on an interiorwall defining the longitudinal bore of the outer shaft.

In some embodiments, the at least one proximal and distal apertures arefurther defined by a pair of proximal apertures and a pair of distalapertures, the at least one blocking member of the housing is furtherdefined by a pair blocking members, and the at least one protrusion ofthe actuation device is further defined by a pair of protrusions.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a specimen retrievaldevice includes a housing, an outer shaft extending distally from thehousing and defining a longitudinal bore, an inner shaft disposed withinthe longitudinal bore of the outer shaft, a support mechanism secured toa distal end of the inner shaft, a pouch releasably supported on thesupport mechanism and defining an opening, and an actuation devicereleasably coupled to a proximal end of the inner shaft. The actuationdevice includes a pivotal release mechanism having a mechanicalinterface configured to selectively engage a corresponding mechanicalinterface positioned on the inner shaft to releasably secure theactuation device to the inner shaft in a locked configuration. Therelease mechanism is movable from the locked configuration wherein theactuation device is operable to move the inner shaft in relation to theouter shaft to an unlocked configuration wherein the actuation device isseparated from the inner shaft. A cinch has a proximal end secured tothe actuation device and a distal end extending about the opening in thepouch. In the unlocked configuration, the actuation device is movable inrelation to the inner shaft to retract the cinch to close the opening ofthe pouch.

In embodiments, the mechanical interface on the release mechanism is inthe form of a detent and the mechanical interface on the inner shaft isin the form of an indent.

In some embodiments, the release mechanism is disposed on a top surfaceof the actuation device and is depressible to disengage the at least onemechanical interface of the release mechanism from the at least onemechanical interface on the inner shaft.

In certain embodiments, the release mechanism is overmolded to theactuation device.

In some embodiments, the release mechanism is pivotally coupled to theactuation device via a living hinge.

In embodiments, the cinch is operably coupled to a distal end of theactuation device.

In certain embodiments, the release mechanism is biased towards thelocked configuration.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a specimen retrievaldevice includes a housing, an outer shaft connected to and extendingdistally from the housing and defining a longitudinal bore and alongitudinal axis, an inner shaft movably disposed within thelongitudinal bore of the outer shaft, a support mechanism supported on adistal end of the inner shaft, a pouch supported by the supportmechanism adjacent a distal end of the inner shaft, and an actuationdevice releasably coupled to the inner shaft. The actuation deviceincludes a release mechanism pivotally coupled thereto. The releasemechanism includes at least one mechanical interface configured toselectively engage a corresponding mechanical interface positioned onthe inner shaft to secure the actuation device to the inner shaft. Therelease mechanism is pivotal from a locked configuration wherein theactuation device is secured to the inner shaft and movement of theactuation device effects corresponding movement of the inner shaft to anunlocked configuration. A cinch has a proximal end secured to theactuation device and a distal end extending about an opening in thepouch. In the unlocked configuration of the release mechanism, theactuation device is separable from the inner shaft to allow movement ofthe actuation device in relation to the inner shaft to cinch the openingof the pouch.

In some embodiments, the mechanical interface on the release mechanismis in the form of a detent and the mechanical interface on the innershaft is in the form of an indent.

In some embodiments, the release mechanism is disposed on a top surfaceof the actuation device and is depressible to disengage the at least onemechanical interface of the release mechanism from the at least onemechanical interface on the inner shaft.

In embodiments, the release mechanism is overmolded to the actuationdevice.

In some embodiments, the release mechanism is pivotally coupled to theactuation device via a living hinge.

In certain embodiments, the cinch is operably coupled to the distal endof the actuation device.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a specimen retrieval deviceincludes a housing, an outer shaft extending distally from the housingand defining a longitudinal bore, and an inner shaft movably disposedwithin the longitudinal bore of the outer shaft and including a handle.The inner shaft is movable between a fully retracted position and afully extended position in which the handle is positioned adjacent thehousing. A pouch is releasably supported at a distal end of the innershaft. A lock-out device is supported on the housing and is movable froma locked position to an unlocked position. In the locked position, thelock-out device is positioned to prevent movement of the inner shaft tothe fully extended position and in the unlocked position, the lock-outdevice is positioned to allow movement of the inner shaft to the fullyextended position.

In some embodiments, the lock-out device is pivotally coupled to thehousing via a pivot pin.

In embodiments, the lock-out device has a generally elongatedconfiguration with a trailing end that is configured to engage a distalend of the handle of the inner shaft.

In certain embodiments, the lock-out device is seated within a notchdefined within the housing.

In some embodiments, the notch is defined by at least one wall that isconfigured to contact at least a portion of the lock-out device andretain the lock-out device in the locked configuration.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a specimen retrievaldevice includes a housing, an outer shaft connected to and extendingdistally from the housing and defining a longitudinal bore, an innershaft movably disposed within the longitudinal bore of the outer shaft,a support mechanism supported on a distal end of the inner shaft, apouch supported by the support mechanism, an actuation device operablycoupled to a proximal end of the inner shaft, and a lock-out devicepivotally supported on the housing. The lock-out device is movable froma locked configuration to prevent engagement between a proximal end ofthe housing and the actuation device to an unlocked configuration toallow engagement between the proximal end of the housing and theactuation device.

In embodiments, the lock-out device is pivotally coupled to the housingvia a pivot pin.

In some embodiments, the lock-out device has a generally elongatedconfiguration with a trailing end that is configured to engage a distalend of the actuation device.

In certain embodiments, the lock-out device is seated within a notchdefined in the housing. The notch may be defined by at least one wallthat is configured to contact at least a portion of the lock-out deviceand retain the lock-out device in the locked configuration.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a specimen retrieval deviceincludes a housing, an outer shaft extending distally from the housingand defining a longitudinal bore, an inner shaft movably disposed withinthe longitudinal bore of the outer shaft, a support mechanism secured toa distal end of the inner shaft, a specimen pouch supported by thesupport mechanism, first and second interfaces spaced longitudinally onthe inner shaft, and a cam lock pivotally coupled to the housing andmoveable from a first position, wherein the cam lock is positioned toengage the first interface of the inner shaft to prevent distaltranslation of the inner shaft relative to the housing to an extendedposition, to a second position wherein the cam lock is positioned toallow distal translation of the inner shaft relative to the housing tothe extended position to facilitate deployment of the specimen pouch andwherein proximal translation of the inner shaft within the outer shaftfrom a partially retracted position to a fully retracted position causesthe second interface of the inner shaft to engage and move the cam lockto the second position.

In some embodiments, the cam lock is rotatable from the first positionto the second position about a pivot member coupled to the housing.

In embodiments, the cam lock defines a pivot hole and the pivot memberis received within the pivot hole to pivotally couple the cam lock tothe housing. At least one of the pivot hole and the pivot member isshaped such that rotation of the cam lock relative to the pivot causesthe pivot to frictionally engage the cam lock to lock the cam lock inthe second position.

In embodiments, the cam lock includes first and second portions, whereinin the first position of the cam lock, the first portion is positionedto cooperate with the first interface of the inner shaft to preventdistal translation of the inner shaft relative to the housing to theextended position and is positioned to cooperate with the secondinterface to rotate the cam lock to the second position upon proximaltranslation of the inner shaft from the partially retracted position tothe fully refracted position to allow subsequent distal translation ofthe inner shaft relative to the housing.

In some embodiments, the second portion of the cam lock is positionedand configured to lock the cam lock in the second position.

In certain embodiments, the second portion of the cam lock is positionedoffset relative to the first plane and is configured to engage a side ofthe inner shaft to prevent rotation of the cam lock from the firstposition in a direction away from the second position to prevent distaltranslation of the inner shaft.

In embodiments, the first portion of the cam lock has dimensionsdifferent from the second portion of the cam lock.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a specimen retrievaldevice includes a housing, an outer shaft connected to and extendingdistally from the housing and defining a longitudinal bore extendingtherethrough, an inner shaft movably disposed within the longitudinalbore of the outer shaft and translatable therethrough, a supportmechanism configured to releasably support a specimen pouch at a distalend of the inner shaft, a first interface disposed on the inner shaft,and a cam lock pivotally coupled to the housing and moveable from afirst position wherein the cam lock prevents distal translation of theinner shaft relative to the housing to a second position wherein the camlock allows distal translation of the inner shaft relative to thehousing to facilitate deployment of the specimen pouch. The cam lockincludes first and second portions. The first portion cooperates withthe first interface to rotate the cam lock to the second position uponproximal translation of the inner shaft to allow subsequent distaltranslation of the inner shaft relative to the housing and the secondportion of the cam lock cooperates with a side of the inner shaft toprevent initial distal translation of the inner shaft relative to thehousing when the cam lock is disposed in the first position.

In some embodiments, a second interface is disposed on the inner shaftproximally of the first interface. The first portion of the cam lockcooperates with the second interface to prevent distal translation ofthe inner shaft when the cam lock is in the first position.

In embodiments, the first portion of the cam lock is disposed within afirst plane and is configured to cooperate with the first and secondinterfaces positioned on a top of the inner shaft and the second portionis offset relative to the first plane and is configured to cooperatewith a side of the inner shaft.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a specimen retrieval deviceincludes a housing, an outer shaft extending distally from the housingand defining a longitudinal bore, an inner shaft movably disposed withinthe longitudinal bore of the outer shaft and defining a channel, asupport mechanism supported on a distal end of the inner shaft, aspecimen pouch supported at a distal end of the inner shaft, first andsecond interfaces disposed at respective proximal and distal ends of thechannel of the inner shaft, and a cam lock pivotally coupled to thehousing and moveable from a first position wherein the cam lock ispositioned to prevent distal translation of the inner shaft relative tothe housing to a second position wherein the cam lock is positioned toallow distal translation of the inner shaft relative to the housing tofacilitate deployment of the specimen pouch. The cam lock includes firstand second portions. The first portion extends into the channel andcooperates with the first interface to prevent initial distaltranslation of the inner shaft relative to the housing when the cam lockis disposed in the first position. The first portion also cooperateswith the second interface to effect movement of the cam lock from thefirst position to the second position upon proximal translation of theinner shaft to allow distal translation of the inner shaft relative tothe housing. A spring is coupled to the housing and cooperates with thesecond portion of the cam lock to retain the cam lock in the secondposition upon full proximal translation of the inner shaft relative tothe housing.

In some embodiments, the second portion of the cam lock rotates againstthe bias of the spring as the cam lock moves from the first position tothe second position. The second portion of the cam lock includes adistal end configured to lock against the spring once the cam lock isrotated to the second position.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of preventinginadvertent deployment of a specimen pouch of a specimen retrievaldevice includes positioning a cam lock on a housing of the specimenretrieval device; movably positioning an inner shaft of the specimenretrieval device to move through the housing; positioning a pivotal camlock on the housing; positioning a proximal interface on the inner shaftin a first position to prevent distal movement of the inner shaft inrelation to the housing; positioning a distal interface on the innershaft in a position to engage the cam lock when the inner shaft is movedproximally to effect movement of the cam lock from the first position tothe second position, wherein in the second position of the cam lock, thecam lock allows for distal movement of the inner shaft; moving the innershaft proximally to move the cam lock from the first position to thesecond position; and advancing the inner shaft distally in relation tothe housing to deploy a specimen pouch from the specimen retrievaldevice.

In some embodiments, the method includes locking the cam lock in thesecond position.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a specimen retrieval deviceincludes a housing, an outer shaft connected to the housing andextending distally therefrom, the outer shaft defining a longitudinalbore, an inner shaft disposed within the longitudinal bore of the outershaft and translatable therethrough, a support mechanism secured to adistal end of the inner shaft, a specimen pouch supported on the supportmechanism at a distal end of the inner shaft, first and secondinterfaces disposed at respective proximal and distal ends of the innershaft, and a cam lock pivotably coupled to the housing and rotatablefrom a first position wherein the cam lock prevents initial distaltranslation of the inner shaft relative to the housing to a secondposition wherein the cam lock allows distal translation of the innershaft relative to the housing to facilitate deployment of the specimenpouch. The cam lock includes first and second portions extendingtherefrom. The first portion cooperates with the first interface toprevent initial distal translation of the inner shaft relative to thehousing when the cam lock is disposed in the first position and thefirst portion cooperates with the second interface to effect rotation ofthe cam lock from the first position to the second position uponproximal translation of the inner shaft. A spring is coupled to thehousing, wherein upon full proximal translation of the inner shaftwithin the outer shaft, a distal end of the second portion of the camlock rotates against the bias of the spring and locks against the springonce the cam lock is rotated to the second position thereby locking thecam lock in the second position and allowing distal translation of theinner shaft relative to the outer shaft to facilitate deployment of thespecimen pouch.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure, a specimen retrieval deviceincludes a housing defining a slot, an outer shaft extending distallyfrom the housing and defining a longitudinal bore, an inner shaftmovably disposed within the longitudinal bore of the outer shaft anddefining a channel and including a stop surface positioned proximally ofthe channel, a support mechanism secured to a distal end of the innershaft, a specimen pouch supported on the support mechanism at a distalend of the inner shaft and a removable shipping wedge configured to bereceived through the slot in the housing. The removable shipping wedgeincludes an interface configured to slidably receive the inner shaft.The interface is configured to cooperate with the stop surface of theinner shaft to prevent full distal translation of the inner shaft inrelation to the housing while allowing proximal translation of the innershaft in relation to the housing. The inner shaft is movable proximallyin relation to the housing to a fully retracted position to position thechannel in alignment with the interface and facilitate removal of theremovable shipping wedge from the specimen retrieval device through theslot in the housing to facilitate full distal translation of the innershaft in relation to the housing and deployment of the specimen pouch.

In some embodiments, the inner shaft includes a flexible fingerpositioned proximally of the channel. The flexible finger extendsoutwardly from the inner shaft and is positioned to pass under theshipping wedge to a location proximal of the shipping wedge when theinner shaft is moved to the fully retracted position. The flexiblefinger is biased against the interface of the shipping wedge in thefully retracted position of the inner shaft to prevent distal movementof the inner shaft relative to the housing until the shipping wedge isremoved from the specimen retrieval device.

In some embodiments, the interface includes opposing surfaces thatdefine a notch that is shaped to slidably receive the inner shaft.

In embodiments, the specimen retrieval device includes a stripper platedisposed within the outer shaft that is selectively deployable with thespecimen pouch. The inner shaft includes a proximal handle that isspaced from the housing a distance d when the shipping wedge is insertedwithin the groove of the housing. The distance d represents a dwelldistance required to distally translate the inner shaft relative to thehousing when the shipping wedge is removed to deploy the stripper platefrom the outer shaft.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of preventinginadvertent deployment of a specimen pouch of a specimen retrievaldevice includes providing a specimen retrieval device including ahousing having a groove defined therein, an outer shaft connected to thehousing and extending distally therefrom, the outer shaft defining alongitudinal bore extending therethrough, an inner shaft disposed withinthe longitudinal bore of the outer shaft and translatable therethroughfrom a fully retracted position to an extended position, the inner shaftdefining a proximal stop surface, a support mechanism supported on adistal end of the inner shaft, a specimen pouch supported on the supportmechanism at a distal end of the inner shaft, and a removable shippingwedge having an interface at a distal end thereof configured to receivean outer periphery of the inner shaft while allowing translation of theinner shaft therethrough; and inserting the shipping wedge through thegroove in the housing such that the interface engages the stop surfaceof the inner shaft to prevent distal translation of the inner shaftrelative to the housing to the extended position.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of deploying of aspecimen pouch of a specimen retrieval device includes providing aspecimen retrieval device including a housing having a groove definedtherein, an outer shaft connected to the housing and extending distallytherefrom, the outer shaft defining a bore extending therethrough, aninner shaft disposed within the bore of the outer shaft and translatabletherethrough, the inner shaft defining a slot, a support mechanismconfigured to releasably support a specimen pouch of the specimenretrieval device at a distal end thereof, a flexible finger disposedproximal to the slot on the inner shaft, a stop surface disposed at aproximal end of the inner shaft, and a removable shipping wedgeincluding an interface at a distal end thereof configured to encompassthe outer periphery of the inner shaft while allowing translation of theinner shaft therethrough; inserting the interface through the groove inthe housing such that the interface engages the stop surface at theproximal end of the inner shaft to prevent initial distal translation ofthe inner shaft relative to the housing; proximally translating theinner shaft relative to the housing from a first position wherein thestop surface is engaged with the interface of the shipping wedge toprevent distal translation of the inner shaft to a second positionwherein the interface of the shipping wedge is aligned with the slot ofthe inner shaft; removing the shipping wedge through the groove in thehousing and the slot in the inner shaft; and distally translating theinner shaft relative to the housing to deploy the specimen pouch.

In some embodiments, the proximally translating step includes biasingthe flexible finger against the interface of the shipping wedge and thenreleasing the flexible finger on a proximal side of the interface intoengagement with the interface when the inner shaft is fully translatedto the second position to prevent distal movement of the inner shaftuntil the shipping wedge is removed.

In another aspect of the present disclosure a specimen retrieval deviceincludes a housing, an outer shaft extending distally from the housingand defining a longitudinal bore, and an inner shaft movably disposedwithin the longitudinal bore of the outer shaft. The inner shaft definesa cam slot along an outer periphery thereof including first and secondportions and a channel connecting distal ends of the first and secondportions. The second portion of the cam slot has a length greater than alength of the first portion. A support mechanism is secured to thedistal end of the inner shaft and a specimen pouch is supported at adistal end of the inner shaft on the support mechanism. A torsion springhas a first end fixedly engaged with the housing and a second endslidably received within the cam slot and is in tension. The second endof the torsion spring is initially positioned at a proximal end of thefirst portion of the cam slot when the inner shaft is in a partiallyretracted position to prevent further distal translation of the innershaft relative to the housing. The second end of the torsion spring ismovable from the proximal end of the first portion of the cam slot to adistal end of the first portion of the cam slot upon retraction of theinner shaft from the partially retracted position to a fully retractedposition, wherein when the second end of the torsion spring reaches thedistal end of the first portion of the cam slot, the tension in thetorsion spring causes the second end of the torsion spring to translatethrough the channel of the cam slot to the second portion of the camslot. When the second end of the torsion spring is positioned in thesecond portion of the cam slot, the inner shaft may be distallytranslated along the second portion of the cam slot to an extendedposition relative to the housing to deploy the specimen pouch.

In some embodiments, a stripper plate is disposed within a distal end ofthe outer shaft proximally of the specimen pouch and is selectivelydeployable with the specimen pouch. The second portion of the cam slothas a length greater than the first portion of the cam slot by adistance “X” and wherein the distance “X” represents a dwell distancerequired to distally translate the inner shaft relative to the housingto deploy the stripper plate disposed within the outer shaft.

In embodiments, the inner shaft and the outer shaft are configured toprevent rotation of the inner shaft in relation to the outer shaft.

In certain embodiments, the distal end of the second portion of the camslot is longitudinally aligned with the distal end of the first portionof the cam slot.

In some embodiments, a proximal end of the second portion of the camslot extends further proximally than a proximal end of the first portionof the cam slot by a distance X, the distance X permitting the innershaft to move to the extended position.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of deploying aspecimen pouch of a specimen retrieval device includes providing aspecimen retrieval device including a housing, an outer shaft connectedto the housing and extending distally therefrom, the outer shaftdefining a bore extending therethrough, an inner shaft disposed withinthe bore of the outer shaft and translatable therethrough, the innershaft including a support mechanism configured to releasably support aspecimen pouch of the specimen retrieval device at a distal end thereof,the inner shaft including a cam slot defined in an outer peripherythereof, the cam slot including first and second portions and a channeldefined therebetween; engaging a first end of a torsion spring to thehousing and positioning a second end of the torsion spring to ridewithin the cam slot upon translation of the inner shaft with respect tohousing, wherein the second end of the torsion spring is initiallypositioned at a proximal end of the first portion of the cam slot toprevent initial distal translation of the inner shaft relative to thehousing; proximally translating the inner shaft with respect to thehousing to move the second end of the torsion spring within the cam slotfrom a first position at the proximal end of the first portion of thecam slot to a second position at a distal end of the first portion ofthe cam slot to allow the second end of the torsion spring to transitionunder the bias of the torsion spring within the channel into the distalend of the second portion of the cam slot; and distally translating theinner shaft relative to the housing to deploy the specimen pouch.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a specimen retrieval deviceincludes a housing, an outer shaft extending distally from the housing,the outer shaft defining a longitudinal bore, an inner shaft disposedwithin the longitudinal bore of the outer shaft and defining a cam slotthat extends along a length of the inner shaft, the cam slot defining aproximal end and a distal end, and a removable shipping wedge. Theremovable shipping wedge includes a body having a flange extending froman upper surface thereof. The flange has a finger at a distal endthereof dimensioned to ride within the cam slot of the inner shaft. Thefinger is insertable into the cam slot through the notch. At least onesupport extends from the body and is configured to engage the housing.The finger of the shipping wedge is configured to be received within theproximal end of the cam slot to prevent distal translation of the innershaft relative to the housing when the inner shaft is in a partiallyretracted position.

In some embodiments, the inner shaft supports a support mechanism whichis configured to releasably support a specimen pouch of the specimenretrieval device at a distal end of the inner shaft. The inner shaft ismoveable from a first position wherein the finger and the proximal endof the cam slot cooperate to prevent distal translation of the innershaft relative to the housing to a second position at the distal end ofthe cam slot, wherein the orientation of the finger within the cam slotallows removal of the shipping wedge and subsequent distal translationof the inner shaft relative to the housing to facilitate deployment ofthe specimen pouch.

In some embodiments, the at least one support includes a pair of lateralsupports extending from opposing ends of the body.

In embodiments, the distal end of the cam slot defines a notchconfigured to allow removal of the shipping wedge from the inner shaftand the housing.

In certain embodiments, the shipping wedge further includes a removaltab configured to be gripped to facilitate removal of the shipping wedgefrom the inner shaft and the housing.

In some embodiments, the distal end of the cam slot includes a ramp-likesurface positioned proximally of the notch.

In embodiments, engagement of the finger and the ramp-like surfaceprovides tactile feedback to a clinician during distal translation ofthe inner shaft relative to the housing.

In some embodiments, the bias of the finger against the ramp-likesurface causes the finger to snap into the notch to provide the tactilefeedback.

In certain embodiments, a disposition of the finger within the notchprevents the inner shaft from being translated distally relative to thehousing until the shipping wedge is removed.

In embodiments, the housing includes finger rings extending fromopposing sides of the body and each of the one or more supports isconfigured to engage a respective one of the finger rings to brace theshipping wedge against the housing.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a specimen retrievaldevice includes a housing, an outer shaft connected to and extendingdistally from the housing and defining a bore extending therethrough,and an inner shaft movably disposed within the bore of the outer shaftand translatable therethrough. The inner shaft includes a cam slothaving proximal and distal ends and supports a support mechanismconfigured to releasably support a specimen pouch at the distal endthereof. A removable shipping wedge includes a body having a flangeextending from an upper surface thereof. The flange has a fingerdimensioned to ride within the cam slot. The inner shaft is moveablefrom a first position wherein the finger and the proximal end of the camslot cooperate to prevent distal translation of the inner shaft relativeto the housing to a second position at the distal end of the cam slotwherein the orientation of the finger within the cam slot allows removalof the shipping wedge from the specimen retrieval device and subsequentdistal translation of the inner shaft relative to the housing.

In embodiments, the shipping wedge further includes a removal tabconfigured to facilitate removal of the shipping wedge from the innershaft and the housing.

In some embodiments, the distal end of the cam slot includes atransverse notch that facilitates removal of the shipping wedge from theinner shaft and the housing.

In certain embodiments, the distal end of the cam slot includes aramp-like surface which is configured to bias the finger as the fingeris translated therethrough.

In some embodiments, the bias of the finger against the ramp-likesurface provides tactile feedback to the clinician during distaltranslation of the inner shaft relative to the housing.

In embodiments, the bias of the finger against the ramp-like surfacecauses the finger to snap into the notch.

In some embodiments, the finger when positioned within the notchprevents the inner shaft from being translated distally relative to thehousing until the shipping wedge is removed.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of preventinginadvertent deployment of a specimen pouch of a specimen retrievaldevice includes providing a specimen retrieval device including ahousing, an outer shaft connected to the housing and extending distallytherefrom, the outer shaft defining a bore extending therethrough, aninner shaft disposed within the bore of the outer shaft and translatabletherethrough, the inner shaft including a cam slot defined therein thatextends therealong, the cam slot including proximal and distal ends, anda removable shipping wedge including a body having a flange extendingfrom an upper surface thereof having a finger at a distal end thereofdimensioned to ride within the cam slot, and at least one supportextending from the body and configured to engage the housing; andengaging the removable shipping wedge to the housing and the inner shaftsuch that the finger of the flange is disposed in abutting relation withthe proximal end of the cam slot preventing initial distal translationof the inner shaft relative to the housing.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of deploying aspecimen pouch of a specimen retrieval device includes providing aspecimen retrieval device including a housing, an outer shaft connectedto the housing and extending distally therefrom, the outer shaftdefining a bore extending therethrough, an inner shaft disposed withinthe bore of the outer shaft and translatable therethrough, the innershaft including a support mechanism configured to releasably support aspecimen pouch of the specimen retrieval device at the distal endthereof, the inner shaft including a cam slot defined therein thatextends therealong, the cam slot including a proximal end and a distalend having a notch defined therein, and a removable shipping wedgeincluding a body having a flange extending from an upper surface thereofhaving a finger at a distal end thereof dimensioned to ride within thecam slot, and at least one support extending from the body andconfigured to engage the housing; engaging the removable shipping wedgeto the housing and the inner shaft such that the finger of thespring-like flange is disposed in abutting relation with the proximalend of the cam slot preventing initial distal translation of the innershaft relative to the housing; retracting the inner shaft relative tothe housing such that the finger of the spring-like flanges rides alongthe cam slot and bottoms out in the notch at a distal end thereof;removing the shipping wedge from the housing and the inner shaft; anddistally translating the inner shaft with respect the housing to deploythe specimen pouch.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a stripper plate isdisclosed for use with a specimen retrieval device having an elongatedhollow outer shaft defining an inner diameter. The stripper plateincludes a leading end including major and minor axes. A width of themajor axis is greater than the inner diameter of the outer shaft and awidth of the minor axis is smaller than the inner diameter of the outershaft. The leading end includes first and second apertures definedtherein and extending therethrough to a trailing end. The first apertureis configured to receive a support mechanism of the specimen retrievaldevice and the second aperture is configured to receive a suture. Thestripper plate is deployable from a retracted configuration within aninner periphery of the outer shaft to a deployed configuration outsidethe outer shaft, wherein, when the stripper plate is in the deployedconfiguration, the leading end of the stripper plate is configured touncouple a specimen pouch from the support mechanism.

In some embodiments, the stripper plate is oriented at a first anglerelative to a longitudinal axis defined through the elongated hollowouter shaft when in the retracted configuration and wherein the stripperplate is oriented at a second angle relative to a longitudinal axis whendisposed in the deployed configuration.

In embodiments, the leading end of the stripper plate includes twosecond apertures, each second aperture being configured to receive arespective portion of the suture.

In certain embodiments, the stripper plate defines a beveled peripheralwall that extends between the leading end and trailing end.

In some embodiments, the bevel of the peripheral wall defines an anglewith the leading end that facilitates proper orientation of the stripperplate at the first angle within the inner periphery of the outer shaft.

In embodiments, the angle of the bevel of the peripheral wall is in therange of 25 degrees to 45 degrees.

In some embodiments, the first angle of the stripper plate ranges from 1degree to 75 degrees.

In certain embodiments, the second angle of the stripper plate rangesfrom 76 degrees to 90 degrees.

In embodiments, the leading end of the stripper plate includes achamfered front edge to facilitate deployment of the stripper plate fromthe outer shaft.

In some embodiments, the first aperture includes a circularconfiguration. Alternately, the first aperture includes a rectilinearconfiguration.

In certain embodiments, when the stripper plate is deployed and thestripper plate is forced proximally, the width of the major axisprevents the stripper plate from re-entering the inner periphery of theouter shaft.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a stripper plate isdescribed for use with a specimen retrieval device having an elongatedhollow outer shaft defining an inner diameter. The stripper plateincludes a leading end including major and minor axes. A width of themajor axis is greater than the inner diameter of the outer shaft and awidth of the minor axis is smaller than the inner diameter of the outershaft. The leading end includes first and second apertures definedtherein and extending therethrough to a trailing end. The first apertureis configured to receive a support mechanism of the specimen retrievaldevice and the second aperture is configured to receive a suture. Thestripper plate has a peripheral wall defined between the leading end andthe trailing end that is beveled to facilitate deployment of thestripper plate from a refracted configuration within an inner peripheryof the outer shaft to a deployed configuration outside the outer shaft.

In some embodiments, the leading end of the stripper plate is configuredto uncouple a specimen pouch from the support mechanism.

In embodiments, the leading end includes a top portion and a bottomportion and wherein the bevel of the peripheral wall extends from boththe top and bottom portions of the leading end at the same angle towardsthe trailing end.

In certain embodiments, the trailing end includes a bump-out extendingoutwardly therefrom and surrounding the first aperture. The bump-outfaces proximally when the stripper plate is disposed in the retractedconfiguration. The bump-out is configured to engage the inner peripheryof the outer shaft to center the stripper plate therein.

In some embodiments, the bump-out includes a semi-circularconfiguration.

In embodiments, the width of the major axis of the stripper plateprevents the stripper plate from re-entering the inner periphery of theouter shaft.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a stripper plate isdescribed for use with a specimen retrieval device having an elongatedhollow outer shaft defining an inner diameter, the stripper plate. Thestripper plate includes an elongated cylindrical portion defined byopposing end portions and has a length L. The cylindrical portionincludes an aperture defined therethrough configured to receive a sutureand a relief defined along at least a portion of an outer peripheralsurface thereof proximate the aperture. The relief is configured tofacilitate passage of the suture through the aperture. The stripperplate is deployable from a retracted configuration within an innerperiphery of the outer shaft to a deployed configuration outside theouter shaft. The length L is greater than the inner diameter of theouter shaft such that once the stripper plate is deployed from theretracted configuration the stripper plate is prevented from reenteringthe inner periphery.

In some embodiments, the stripper plate is configured such that, theopposing end portions contact either side of the outer shaft tofacilitate uncoupling of a specimen pouch from a pouch supportmechanism.

In embodiments, the outer end portions include a first diameter and theelongated cylindrical portion includes a middle portion having a seconddiameter that is greater than the first diameter.

In some embodiments, the middle portion includes the aperture definedtherethrough.

In certain embodiments, the elongated cylindrical portion is taperedfrom the middle portion to the outer end portions.

In some embodiments, at least one of the outer end portions includes arecess defined therein configured to engage an inner peripheral edge ofthe outer shaft to facilitate uncoupling a specimen pouch from a pouchsupport mechanism.

In embodiments, each of the outer end portions includes a recess definedtherein. Each respective recess is configured to engage opposingportions of the inner peripheral edge of the outer shaft.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a stripper plate isdescribed for use with a specimen retrieval device having an elongatedhollow outer shaft defining an inner diameter. The stripper plateincludes an elongated cylindrical portion defined by leading andtrailing ends. The elongated cylindrical portion includes an aperturedefined therethrough configured to receive a support mechanism of thespecimen retrieval device. The stripper plate is deployable from aretracted configuration within an inner periphery of the outer shaft toa deployed configuration outside the outer shaft. The trailing endincludes at least one elongated slit defined therein and extending atleast partially toward the leading end. The at least one elongated slitis configured to allow the stripper plate to flex inwardly to facilitateinsertion of the stripper plate into the inner periphery of the outershaft. At least one tab-like living hinge is disposed on an outerperipheral surface of the elongated cylindrical portion. The at leastone living hinge is biased to self-deploy and extend outwardly from theouter peripheral surface of the elongated cylindrical portion once thestripper plate is deployed.

In some embodiments, the at least one elongated slit includes aplurality of elongated slits.

In embodiments, the plurality of tab-like living hinges is interposedbetween the plurality of elongated slits.

In some embodiments, the leading end of the stripper plate facesproximally within the inner periphery of the outer shaft when disposedin the refracted configuration.

In certain embodiments, the stripper plate is positioned in a compressedcondition against the bias of the plurality of slits within the innerperiphery of the outer shaft.

In embodiments, the plurality of tab-like living hinges disposed alongthe outer peripheral surface of the elongated cylindrical portion isconfigured to self-deploy from a flush configuration with respect to theouter peripheral surface of the elongated cylindrical portion when thestripper plate is disposed in the refracted configuration within theinner periphery of the outer shaft to an extended configuration relativeto the outer peripheral surface of the elongated cylindrical portionwhen the stripper plate is externalized to the deployed configuration.

In some embodiments, when the stripper plate is deployed and thestripper plate is forced proximally, the tab-like living hinges areconfigured to contact an inner peripheral edge of the outer shaft tofacilitate uncoupling of a specimen pouch from a pouch supportmechanism.

In certain embodiments, when the stripper plate is deployed and thestripper plate is forced proximally, the tab-like living hinges preventthe stripper plate from re-entering the inner periphery of the outershaft.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the presently disclosed specimen retrieval device aredescribed hereinbelow with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a specimen retrieval device inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is an enlarged schematic view of the connection of the pouchwith the inner shaft with the retention member in a locked position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the specimen retrieval device shown inFIG. 1 with an inner shaft of the specimen retrieval device shown in afully retracted configuration;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial perspective view of a housing of thespecimen retrieval device shown in FIG. 1 with a sled of the inner shaftand a stop member of the housing shown in phantom to illustrate aposition of the sled in relation to the stop member when the inner shaftis in the fully retracted configuration;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a distal end of the housingwith a portion of an outer shaft which extends from the housing removedto illustrate a spatial relationship of the components of the sledsubsequent to the sled being moved distally in relation to the stopmember;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial perspective view of a distal end of thespecimen retrieval device with a support mechanism of the inner shaft ina deployed configuration;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a specimen retrieval device inaccordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9A is an enlarged perspective view of a stripper plate configuredfor use with the specimen retrieval device shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9B is an enlarged front end view of the stripper plate shown inFIG. 9A;

FIGS. 9C-9G are perspective views of other embodiments of stripperplates according to the present disclosure;

FIGS. 9H-9J are perspective views of cylindrically-shaped embodiments ofstripper plates according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 9K is a perspective view of another embodiment of a stripper plateaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the specimen retrieval device shown inFIG. 10 with the stripper plate shown in an extended position;

FIG. 11 is the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12A is a schematic view of a specimen retrieval device according toanother embodiment of the present disclosure with the pouch in apartially retracted position;

FIG. 12B is a schematic view of the specimen retrieval device shown inFIG. 12A with an inner shaft in a fully extended configuration and thepouch and stripper plate of the specimen retrieval device deployed;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a proximal end of the specimenretrieval device shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrating the proximalend of the outer shaft separated from the inner shaft with the actuationdevice engaged with the distal apertures of the inner shaft;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of a proximal end of thespecimen retrieval device shown in FIG. 12A illustrating the inner shaftand actuation device with the actuation device engaged with the distalapertures of the inner;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of the proximal end of thespecimen retrieval device shown in FIG. 12A with the outer shaft shownpartially in cross-section;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the proximal end of the specimenretrieval device shown in FIG. 12A with the inner shaft shown in apartially retracted configuration and the actuation device received inthe distal apertures of the inner shaft;

FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view of the proximal end of the specimenretrieval device shown in FIG. 12A as the inner shaft is moved from thepartially retracted position towards the fully retracted position as thedetents on the outer shaft engage the protrusions on the arms of theactuation device;

FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of the proximal end of the specimenretrieval device shown in FIG. 12A as the inner shaft is moved from thepartially retracted position towards the fully retracted position afterthe detents on the outer shaft have urged the protrusions on the arms ofthe actuation device from the distal apertures;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the proximal end of the specimenretrieval device shown in FIG. 12A with the inner shaft in the fullyretracted position with the protrusions on the arms of the actuationdevice received in the proximal apertures of the inner shaft;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the proximal end of the specimenretrieval device with the protrusions of the actuation shaft received inthe proximal apertures of the inner shaft as the inner shaft andactuation device are moved from the fully retracted position towards theextended position;

FIG. 19 is a schematic view of a specimen retrieval device according toanother embodiment of the present disclosure with parts separated;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line segment 20-20 in FIG.19 with an actuation device and inner shaft of the specimen retrievaldevice shown in a locked configuration for moving the inner shaft inrelation to an outer shaft of the specimen retrieval device;

FIG. 21 a cross-sectional view of the actuation device and inner shaftwith the actuation device shown in an un-locked configuration forcinching a pouch of the specimen retrieval device shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is a schematic view of a proximal end of a specimen retrievaldevice including a locking a member in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 23A is a schematic view of a specimen retrieval device according toanother embodiment of the present disclosure having an inner shaft, ahousing and a cam lock configured to prevent inadvertent initial distaladvancement of the inner shaft relative to the housing;

FIG. 23B is an enlarged view of a cam lock of FIG. 23A;

FIG. 23C is a greatly-enlarged view of another embodiment of the presentdisclosure showing the engagement of a pivot disposed on the housing toan inner periphery of a pivot hole defined in the cam lock when the camlock is moved from a first position to a second position;

FIGS. 24A-24D are schematic views showing the sequence of operation asthe inner shaft is translated proximally and the cam lock moves from thefirst position for preventing distal advancement of the inner shaftrelative the housing to the second position allowing distal advancementof the inner shaft relative to the housing;

FIG. 25A is an exploded perspective view of a specimen retrieval deviceaccording to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 25B is a side perspective view of a removable shipping wedge usablewith the specimen retrieval device of FIG. 25A;

FIGS. 26-27 are schematic views of the specimen retrieval device shownin FIG. 25A with the removable shipping wedge positioned to preventinitial distal translation of an inner shaft relative to a housing;

FIG. 28 is a side view of an inner shaft and torsion spring of aspecimen retrieval device according to another embodiment of the presentdisclosure with the inner shaft in a partially retracted position;

FIG. 29 is a side view of the inner shaft and torsion spring shown inFIG. 28 after the inner shaft has been moved to the fully retractedposition as the torsion spring transitions from a first portion of a camslot to a second portion of a cam slot;

FIGS. 30-33 are schematic views of a specimen retrieval device accordingto another embodiment of the present disclosure having a housing, innershaft and torsion spring that is configured to prevent initial distaltranslation of the inner shaft relative to the housing; and

FIGS. 34A-38 are schematic views of a specimen retrieval deviceaccording to another embodiment of the present disclosure having aremovable shipping wedge to prevent initial distal translation of aninner shaft relative to a housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detailwith reference to the drawings in which like reference numeralsdesignate identical or corresponding elements in each of the severalviews. As used herein, the term distal refers to that portion of theinstrument which is farthest from the clinician, while the term proximalrefers to that portion of the instrument which is closest to theclinician. In the following description, well-known functions orconstructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the presentdisclosure in unnecessary detail.

As used herein with reference to the present disclosure, the termslaparoscopic and endoscopic are interchangeable and refer to instrumentshaving a relatively narrow operating portion for insertion into acannula or small incision in the skin. Laparoscopic and endoscopic alsorefer to minimally invasive surgical procedures. It is believed that thepresent disclosure may find use in any procedure where access to theinterior of the body is limited to a relatively small incision, with orwithout the use of a cannula as in minimally invasive procedures. Inaddition, as used herein, the term clinician refers to medical staffincluding doctors, nurses and support personnel.

With reference to FIGS. 1-6, and initially with reference to FIG. 1, aspecimen retrieval device 10 according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure is illustrated. Specimen retrieval device 10 includes ahousing 12, an outer shaft 14 and an inner shaft 16. Specimen retrievaldevice 10 (and components associated therewith) may be formed from anysuitable biocompatible material, e.g., plastic. In an embodiment, aninjection molding manufacturing process may be utilized to form housing12, outer shaft 14 and inner shaft 16.

Housing 12 and outer shaft 14 define a longitudinal bore and have agenerally elongated configuration. The longitudinal bore is configuredto slidably receive the inner shaft 16. The housing 12 may be formed asa unitary component or as two separate half components that are coupledto one another by one or more suitable coupling methods (e.g., one ormore suitable adhesives). In the latter instance, an indent/detentconfiguration (not explicitly shown) may be utilized to facilitatecoupling the two separate half components. Housing 12 includes a handle,e.g., a pair of opposing lateral loops 13 a, 13 b (FIG. 1), that allow aclinician to grasp and manipulate the specimen retrieval device 10.Alternately, other handle configurations are envisioned.

One or more stop members, e.g., a boss (or recess) 18 (shown in phantomin FIGS. 1 and 3-5), is defined along an interior wall of the housing 12and is configured to releasably engage the inner shaft 16 to limitdistal translation of the inner shaft 16 in relation to the outer shaft14 as will be discussed in further detail below. Other devices and/orcomponents (e.g., a detent, protrusion, or the like) may be utilized inplace of the boss 18 to engage the inner shaft 16.

The outer shaft 14 extends distally from housing 12 and includes agenerally tubular configuration, which as discussed above, defines thelongitudinal bore. The outer shaft 14 is configured to slidably receivethe inner shaft 16 and defines a longitudinal axis “A-A” therethrough.Outer shaft 14 is dimensioned for insertion through a trocar, cannula ornatural body orifice for endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures. Anaperture 20 of suitable configuration is provided at a distal end of theouter shaft 14 and is dimensioned and configured to allow ingress andegress of the inner shaft 16 including a pouch 22 (FIG. 1). The outershaft 14 is coupled to housing 12 via one or more suitable couplingmethods (e.g., welding, etc. adhesives). Alternately, the outer shaft14, may be monolithically formed with housing 12.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 1-6, the inner shaft 16 has agenerally elongated configuration and is movably positioned within theouter shaft 14. The inner shaft 16 is translatable within the outershaft 14 to move the pouch 22 from a fully retracted configuration to anextended or deployed configuration. In the fully retractedconfiguration, the pouch 22 is disposed at least partially within adistal end of the outer shaft 14 for positioning the specimen retrievaldevice 10 through an access port (FIGS. 3 and 4 show the inner shaft 16in a fully retracted configuration; the pouch 22 is not shown in FIG. 3for clarity). In the extended or deployed configuration, the pouch 22 isdisposed outside of the outer shaft 14 for positioning target tissuewithin pouch 22.

In accordance with the present disclosure, as the pouch 22 is moved fromthe fully retracted configuration to the extended configuration, thepouch 22 is moved to a release configuration to facilitate uncoupling ofthe pouch 22 from the inner shaft 16 so that the pouch 22 may be cinchedand removed from a patient as will be discussed in detail below. To thisend, the inner shaft 16 supports a sled 24 that is coupled to aretention member 26 (FIG. 2) by a coupling member 40. The retentionmember 26 and the sled 24 are configured to facilitate detachment of thepouch 22 from a support mechanism 28 provided at a distal end 30 (FIG.6) of the inner shaft 16 (See FIG. 3) upon movement of the inner shaft16 from the fully retracted position to the extended position.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 2A, the retention member 26 includes abifurcated configuration having left and right side portions 27 a, 27 b,respectively that are joined at a proximal end 32 of the retentionmember 26. The left and right side portions 27 a and 27 b can includewires, rods or the like. With the retention member 26 in a distal mostposition (as shown in FIG. 2A), the left and right side portions 27 a,27 b of retention member 26 extend through corresponding slots 33defined in side protrusions 34 of inner shaft 16. Each side protrusion34 is configured to be releasably received within a correspondingaperture 36 (FIG. 1) defined through tab portions 39 a and 39 b of thepouch 22 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 6). The left and right tab portions 39 a, 39 bof the pouch 22 are provided adjacent a proximal end 41 (FIG. 1) of thepouch 22 and extend proximally therefrom for releasably coupling to thecorresponding side protrusions 34 on the inner shaft 16. With theretention member 26 in the distal most position, the left and right sideportions 27 a, 27 b of the retention member 26 prevent tab portions 39a, 39 b from becoming disengaged from protrusions 34. The retentionmember 26 is movable from the distal most position to a proximal mostposition in relation to the inner shaft 16 to allow a clinician touncouple the pouch 22 from the support mechanism 28, as will bedescribed in greater detail below.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, the coupling member 40, which may be in theform of a wire, cable, rod or the like, is configured to couple theretention member 26 to the sled 24. Specifically, the coupling member 40includes a distal hook portion 42 (FIG. 2) that is coupled to theproximal end 32 of the retention member 26, either fixedly orreleasably, and a proximal hook portion 44 (FIG. 5) that is coupled to adistal end 46 of the sled 24, either fixedly or releasably. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate other coupling methods that may beutilized to couple the coupling member 40 to the retention member 26 andthe sled 24. For example, the proximal and distal hook portions 44, 42may be eliminated and proximal and distal ends of the coupling member 40may be soldered, brazed or welded directly to the respective proximaland distal ends 32, 46 of the retention member 26 and sled 24.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4-5, the sled 24 has a generally elongatedconfiguration and is seated within a notch 48 (FIGS. 4 and 5) that isdefined by a top wall portion 50 of the inner shaft 16. The sled 24 isslidable along the notch 48 to move between distal and proximalpositions within the notch 48. The sled 24 includes a resilient fingerportion 52 including a distal end 54 configured to contact the boss 18of the housing 12. An optional cutout 56 (FIG. 5) of suitableconfiguration may be provided at the distal end 54 of finger portion 52to engage a corresponding mechanical interface provided on the boss 18to facilitate engagement of the resilient finger portion 52 with theboss 18. The distal end 46 of the sled 24 defines an aperture (notexplicitly shown) that is configured to receive the proximal hookportion 44 of coupling member 40. As can be appreciated, in embodimentswhere the proximal hook portion 44 is not utilized with the couplingmember 40, the sled 24 may be formed without the aperture and theproximal end of the coupling member 40 may be attached to the sled 24 inany known manner, e.g., via welding.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6, the support mechanism 28 includes twoflexible or resilient members 58 and 60 that form an open forkconfiguration. The flexible or resilient members 58, 60 can be formedfrom spring steel, Nitinol™ or the like. In the illustrated embodiment,the resilient members 58, 60 are joined at a proximal end of the supportmechanism 28 and are coupled to the distal end 30 of the inner shaft 16via one or more suitable coupling methods. In the illustratedembodiment, for example, the distal end 30 of the inner shaft 16 isovermolded about the proximal end of the resilient members 58 and 60 ofthe support mechanism 28.

The resilient members 58, 60 are configured to move from a stressed ornon-expanded state when the pouch 22 is in a retracted configurationpositioned within the outer shaft 14 to an unstressed or expanded statewhen pouch 22 is deployed from outer shaft 14. In the unstressed orexpanded condition, resilient members 58, 60 collectively form agenerally circular or hoop-like configuration for supporting a peripheryof an opening 15 of pouch 22, see FIG. 1 for example. Persons skilled inthe art will recognize that resilient members 58, 60 can form amultitude of configuration shapes, such as generally elliptical.

In accordance with the present disclosure, resilient members 58, 60 areconfigured to releasably couple the pouch 22 to a distal end of innershaft 16. Specifically, resilient members 58, 60 may be fed through atubular portion or sleeve 17 (FIG. 6) of suitable configuration that isprovided about an upper end of the pouch 22. When the retention member26 is disengaged from side protrusion 24 of inner shaft 16, proximalmovement of the inner shaft 16 within the outer shaft 14 causes aproximal portion 41 of pouch 22 to contact a distal end of the outershaft 14. After the pouch 22 engages the distal end of the outer shaft16, further proximal movement of the inner shaft 16 proximally intoouter shaft 14 causes the resilient members 58, 60 to slide out of thesleeve 17 of the pouch 22 to uncouple the pouch 22 from the resilientmembers 58, 60 as discussed in further detail below.

Referring again to FIG. 1, a handle, e.g., a finger loop 23, is providedat a proximal end of the inner shaft 16 and is configured to facilitatemovement of the inner shaft 16 in relation to the outer shaft 14 and thehousing 12, e.g., via manual grasping by the clinician. Other handleconfigurations are envisioned. A cinch puller 62 is removably coupled tothe finger loop 23 via a press-fit or friction engagement and isconfigured to close pouch 22 after a tissue specimen is positionedtherein as is known in the art. More specifically, the cinch puller 62is connected to a suture “S”. A distal end of the suture “s” is coupledto the pouch 22 (FIG. 6). For example, the suture “S” can extend aboutthe opening 15 of pouch 22 through the cuff 17 as is known in the art.In embodiments, the cinch may be in the form of a thread, wire, cable orthe like. In use, after the pouch 22 is in abutment with the distal endof the outer tube 14 and the pouch 22 is uncoupled from the supportmechanism 28, the cinch puller 62 can be pulled proximally in relationto the outer tube 14 to draw the suture “S” proximally to close theopening 15 (FIG. 1) of pouch 22.

The pouch 22 may be made from any suitable biocompatible material (e.g.,nylon, urethane, ripstop nylon or latex) capable of forming a flexiblecollapsible member, or membrane. Pouch 22 includes a generally tubularor elongated configuration that is defined by an openable and closableupper portion (or mouth) 19 which defines the opening 15 and a closedlower portion 21 (FIG. 1). The upper portion 19 includes the sleeve 17that is configured to receive resilient members 58, 60 therein and adistal portion of the suture “S” (FIG. 6). In the illustratedembodiment, the distal portion of the suture “S” is positioned throughone end of the sleeve 17 and is coupled to the pouch 22 or a distal endof the retrieval device 10 at the other end of the sleeve 17. Thus, whenthe cinch puller 62 is pulled proximally, the suture “S” closes theopening 15 of the upper portion 19.

The specimen retrieval device 10 may be packaged and shipped with thepouch 22 in a deployed configuration and the inner shaft 16 in apartially retracted position. As discussed above, shipping the specimenretrieval device 10 with the pouch 22 deployed will minimize thelikelihood of formation of memory wrinkles in the pouch 22. Prior touse, the inner shaft 16 may be moved proximally in relation to the outershaft 14 from the partially retracted position to a retracted positionto position the pouch 22 within the outer shaft 14 to facilitateinsertion of the outer shaft 14 through a small incision or cannula. Asthe inner shaft 16 is moved proximally from the partially retractedposition towards the fully retracted position in relation to the outershaft 14, the resilient finger portion 52 of sled 42 is deflecteddownwardly via engagement with the boss 18 to allow the sled 24 to moveto a proximal side of the boss 18. In doing so, the pouch 22 is drawn atleast partially into the outer shaft 14. In this position, the sled 24is positioned at a distal end of the notch 48 defined on the inner shaft16. Thereafter, the outer shaft 14 may be inserted through a natural orman-made orifice on a patient and positioned adjacent target tissue. Asdiscussed below, movement of the retention member 26 in relation to theinner shaft 16 effects disengagement of the retention member 26 from theside protrusions 34 of the inner shaft 16. More specifically, when theinner shaft 16 is moved distally in relation to the outer shaft 14 todeploy the pouch 22 from the outer shaft 14, the distal end 54 of thefinger portion 52 (FIG. 4) of sled 24 will temporarily engage the boss18 to prevent the sled 24 and the retention member 26 from movingdistally with the inner shaft 16. Movement of the inner shaft 26independently of the sled 24 and the retention member 26 causes theportions 27 a, 27 b of the retention member 26 to disengage from theslots 33 of side protrusions 34 when the inner shaft 16 is moved towardsthe extended position.

The distal end 54 of the finger portion 52 remains engaged with the boss18 until distal translation of the inner shaft 16 in relation to sled 24and the outer shaft 14 causes the top wall 50 (FIG. 4) of the innershaft 16 that defines the notch 48 to contact the finger portion 52. Thetop wall 50 slides along a top surface of the finger portion 52 andurges the finger portion 52 downwardly out of engagement with the boss18 so that the sled 24 may again move distally with the inner shaft 16in relation to the outer shaft 14 (FIG. 5). Continued distal movement ofthe inner shaft 16 in relation to the outer shaft 14 ultimately movesthe pouch 22 to the deployed configuration (FIG. 6 illustrates the topportion of the pouch 22 for clarity).

After the pouch 22 is deployed and the surgical procedure is completed,the inner shaft 16 can be withdrawn into the outer shaft 14 to separatethe pouch 22 from the inner shaft 16. Such a separating force isgenerated by a clinician pulling proximally on the handle 23 at theproximal end of the inner shaft 16. More specifically, once the tabportions 39 a, 39 b of the pouch 22 are no longer locked onto the leftand right protrusions 34 of the inner shaft 16 by the retention member26, pulling the inner shaft 16 proximally in relation to the outer shaft14 causes the proximal end of pouch 22 to abut the distal end of theouter shaft 14. As a result, when the inner shaft 16 is withdrawn backinto the outer shaft 14, the tab portions 39 a and 39 b are disengagedfrom the protrusions 34 to separate the pouch 22 from the inner shaft16. The protrusions 34 may have proximal chamfers 34 a (FIG. 6) tofacilitate separation from tab portions 39 a, 39 b. Thereafter, theresilient members 58, 60 of the support mechanism 28 are caused to slideout of the sleeve 17 of the pouch 22 as the inner shaft 16 is retractedinto the outer shaft 14, until resilient members 58, 60 of the supportmechanism 28 are no longer supporting the pouch 22.

Once the pouch 22 has been de-coupled from the inner shaft 16, aclinician may detach the cinch puller 62 from the finger loop 23 of theinner shaft 16. In an embodiment, the suture “S” may be detached fromthe inner shaft 16 and the inner shaft can be withdrawn from the outershaft 14. With the inner shaft 16 removed, the remaining portion of thesuture “S” extends longitudinally through the outer shaft 14. Pullingthe suture “S” causes the suture “S” to tighten about the opening 15 ofthe pouch 22 to close the opening 15. The outer shaft 14 may then bewithdrawn from the surgical site, leaving just the closed pouch 22within the surgical site and a portion of the suture “S” extendingthrough the incision.

Unlike conventional specimen retrieval devices that are typicallyshipped for use with a pouch that is folded or rolled and stored withinan outer shaft of the specimen retrieval device, the present specimenretrieval device 10 may be shipped for use with the pouch 22 in anunfolded and deployed configuration, e.g., outside of the outer shaft14. Such an arrangement may overcome drawbacks typically associated withconventional specimen retrieval devices, e.g., the likelihood of memorywrinkles being formed on pouch 22 is reduced, if not eliminated.

From the foregoing and with reference to the various drawings, thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that certain modifications can alsobe made to the present disclosure without departing from the overallscope. For example, one or more devices or components may be utilized toassist in separating the pouch 22 from the resilient members 58, 60 ofthe support mechanism 28.

For example, FIG. 7 illustrates, a specimen retrieval device 110 whichincludes a stripper plate 170. The stripper plate 170 is configured tobe received within an outer shaft 114 of the specimen retrieval device110 and be deployed when the inner shaft 116 is moved to a fullyextended position to assist in separating the pouch 122 from the supportmechanism 128 (FIG. 8). Specimen retrieval device 110 is similar to thespecimen retrieval device 10. Accordingly, only those features unique tospecimen retrieval device 110 are described herein.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the stripper plate 170 is movable from aretracted configuration wherein the stripper plate 170 is disposedwithin a distal end of the outer shaft 114 of the specimen retrievaldevice 110 to a deployed configuration wherein the stripper plate 170 isdisposed outside of the outer shaft 114 (FIG. 11). As will be discussedin further detail below, in the retracted configuration, the stripperplate 170 may be oriented at a first angle 0° relative to a longitudinalaxis “A-A” defined through the outer shaft 114 (as shown in FIG. 8). Thefirst angle 0° of the stripper plate 170 may range from about 1 degreeto about 75 degrees.

Referring to FIGS. 9A-9B, in embodiments, the stripper plate 170includes a generally elliptical configuration defining a major axis“B-B” and minor axis “C-C.” A width of the minor axis “C-C” is smallerthan an inner diameter of the outer shaft 114 and a width of the majoraxis “B-B” is greater than the inner diameter of the outer shaft 114. Itis noted that having the major axis “B-B” greater than the innerdiameter of the outer shaft 114 prevents the stripper plate 170 frombeing moved back into the outer shaft 114 after the stripper plate 170has been deployed from the outer shaft 114. A leading end 175 of thestripper plate 170 includes a generally planar configuration with agenerally oval shaped peripheral wall 179 which extends between theleading end 175 and a trailing end 173 of the stripper plate. Theperipheral wall 179 may be beveled at an angle that ranges from about 25degrees to about 45 degrees in relation to the planar leading end 175 ofthe stripper plate 170 to allow the peripheral wall 179 to frictionallyengage an inner surface of outer shaft 114 (FIG. 8). As shown, the angleof peripheral wall 179 of the stripper plate 170 is substantiallyparallel to the inner surface of the outer shaft 114 to allow thestripper plate 170 to be deployed from the outer shaft as will bediscussed in further detail below.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 9A-9B, the stripper plate 170includes first and second apertures 171, 172 defined therethrough. Thefirst aperture 171 of the stripper plate 170 has a generally circularshape and is configured to receive the resilient members 158, 160 of thesupport mechanism 128 (FIG. 8).

The second aperture 172 has a generally triangular shape and isconfigured to receive the suture “S” of the specimen retrieval device110 (FIG. 11). In embodiments, the second aperture 172 may be furtherdefined by an upper first portion 176 a, an upper second portion 176 band a lower portion 176 c. Each of the upper first and second portions176 a, 176 b may be defined by generally circumferential walls 177 a,177 b and the lower portion 176 c may be defined by a lower generallyconcave wall 178. The upper first and second portions 176 a, 176 b aresized proportionally to the suture “S” to exert a drag force on thesuture “S” as the suture “S” is being pulled through the first or secondportions 176 a, 176 b. In one embodiment, the suture “S” passes throughone of the first or second portions 176 a, 176 b, extends through thesleeve and about the opening in the pouch 122, and then passes backthrough the other opening 176 a, 176 b of the stripper plate 170 wherethe suture “S” is secured to the trailing end 173 of the stripper plate170. When the suture “S” is pulled proximally, the suture “S” cinchesthe opening is in the pouch 122.

First and second opposing channels 180 a, 180 b are provided between theupper first and second portions 176 a, 176 b, respectively, and thelower portion 176 c of the stripper plate 170. The first and secondopposing channels 180 a, 180 b help guide the suture “S” into the upperfirst portion 176 a and upper second portion 176 b, respectively, as thesuture “S” is being pulled proximally to close the pouch 122 (see FIG. 7for example) of the specimen retrieval apparatus 110. Persons skilled inthe art will recognize that first and second apertures 171 and 172 mayeach be of any known configuration, such as circular, oval, square,rectangular, Y-shaped or X-shaped, with either sharp or curved/concavecorners or edges. Furthermore, the inner walls of each of the first andsecond apertures 171 and 172 may be angled, for example inward oroutward, relative to the front face of the stripper plate 170.

Referring to FIGS. 10-11, the stripper plate 170 is supported on theresilient members 158, 160 of the support mechanism 128 which isconfigured to support the pouch 122. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 7-11, the tab portions 39 a, 39 b (FIG. 1) of the pouch 122 areconfigured to extend around the minor axis “C-C” (FIG. 9A) of thestripper plate 170 for coupling to the side protrusions 134 (FIG. 8)provided on an inner shaft 116 of the specimen retrieval device 110.

As will be described in further detail below, in use of the specimenretrieval device 110, the inner shaft 116 is movable from a partiallyretracted position to a fully retracted position and then to a fullyextended position. In the partially retracted position of the innershaft 116 (FIGS. 7 and 12A), which is the shipping position, the pouch122 is deployed but the stripper plate 170 is positioned within theouter shaft 114. In this position, as will be discussed in furtherdetail below, a locking member prevents advancement of the inner shaft114 to the fully extended position until the inner shaft 116 is firstmoved to the fully retracted position. Movement of the inner shaft 116to the fully retracted position, which in some embodiments releases thelocking member, draws the pouch into the outer shaft 114 to facilitateinsertion of the outer shaft 114 through a small incision or cannula.Movement of the inner shaft 116 from the fully retracted position to theextended position (FIGS. 11 and 12B) redeploys the pouch 122, deploysthe stripper plate 170 and, as discussed above with regard to FIGS. 1-6,disengages the retention member 26 from the protrusions 34 (FIG. 2A) tofacilitate separation of the pouch 122 from the inner shaft 116.

FIGS. 9C-9K show alternate embodiments of stripper plates 1170, 1270,1370, 1470, 1570, 1670, 1770, 1870, and 1970 for use with the presentdisclosure. As can be appreciated, any one of these disclosed stripperplates 1170, 1270, 1370, 1470, 1570, 1670, 1770, 1870, and 1970 may beutilized with any one of the specimen retrieval devices shown anddescribed in this application, e.g., specimen retrieval devices 10and/or 110, to assist in separating the pouch 122 from the resilientmembers 58, 60 and 158, 160 of the support mechanism 28, 128.

Referring to FIG. 9C, the stripper plate 1170 includes a generallyelliptical configuration defining a major axis “B-B” and minor axis“C-C.” Much like stripper plate 170, the width of the minor axis “C-C”is smaller than an inner diameter of the outer shaft 114 and a width ofthe major axis “B-B” is greater than the inner diameter of the outershaft 114. Once again, it is noted that having the major axis “B-B”greater than the inner diameter of the outer shaft 114 ensures that thestripper plate 1170 cannot be moved back into the outer shaft 114 afterthe stripper plate 1170 has been deployed from the outer shaft 114.

Stripper plate 1170 includes a first aperture 1171 and a pair of secondapertures 1172 a, 1172 b defined therethrough. The first aperture 1171of the stripper plate 1170 has a generally circumferential shape and isconfigured to receive the resilient members 158, 160 of the supportmechanism 128 (see FIGS. 10-11 for example).

The pair of second apertures 1172 a and 1172 b extend through thestripper plate 1170 and are each configured to frictionally receive aportion of a suture “S” of the specimen retrieval device 110 (similar toFIG. 11). The pair of sccond apertures 1172 a an d 1172 b arc configuredto help guide the suture “S” as the suture “S” is pulled proximally toclose the pouch 122 (see FIG. 7 for example) of the specimen retrievalapparatus 110. In one embodiment, the suture “S” extends through theopening 1172 a, around the opening in pouch 122 and back through theopening 1172 b where the suture “S” is secured to a trailing end 1173 ofthe stripper plate 1170.

Much like the stripper plate 170 described above, in the refractedconfiguration, the stripper plate 1170 is oriented at an angle 0° withinthe inner periphery of the outer shaft 114(FIG. 8). When the stripperplate 1170 is moved from the retracted configuration to the deployedconfiguration (FIGS. 10-11), the stripper plate 1170 tilts about theresilient members 158, 160 and orients itself at a second angle 0°relative to the longitudinal axis “A-A”. When the stripper plate 1170 isin the deployed configuration, proximal movement of the inner shaft 116relative to the outer shaft 114 causes a trailing end 1173 of thestripper plate 1170 to contact the distal end of the outer shaft 114 andthe pouch 122 to contact the leading end 1175 of the stripper plate 1170as the support mechanism 128 (FIG. 8) passes through opening 1171 touncouple the pouch 22 from the resilient members 158, 160 of the supportmember 128 of the inner shaft 116 as discussed above.

Referring to FIG. 9D, the stripper plate 1270 includes a generallyelliptical configuration defining a major axis “B-B” and minor axis“C-C.” Much like stripper plate 170, the width of the minor axis “C-C”is smaller than an inner diameter of the outer shaft 114 and a width ofthe major axis “B-B” is greater than the inner diameter of the outershaft 114. Once again, it is noted that having the major axis “B-B”greater than the inner diameter of the outer shaft 114 ensures that thestripper plate 1270 cannot be moved back into the outer shaft 114 afterthe stripper plate 1270 has been deployed from the outer shaft 114. Aleading end 1275 of the stripper plate 1270 includes a generally planarconfiguration with a generally oval shaped peripheral wall 1279 whichextends between the leading end 1275 and a trailing end 1273 of thestripper plate 1270. The peripheral wall 1279 is beveled to define anangle that ranges from about 25 degrees to about 45 degrees in relationto the longitudinal axis A-A (FIG. 8) of the outer shaft 114 tofacilitate proper orientation of the stripper plate 1270 within theouter shaft 114 as discussed above and to facilitate deployment of thestripper plate 1270 from the retracted configuration to the deployedconfiguration. Stripper plate 1270 also includes a chamfered front edge1277 defined on leading end 1275 of the stripper plate 1270. Leading end1275 of stripper plate 1280 is designed to face distally when stripperplate 1270 is disposed at the first angle 0° within outer shaft 114. Thechamfered front edge 1277 and peripheral wall 1279 include asubstantially corresponding angle 0° to facilitate deployment of thestripper plate from outer shaft 114. The corresponding angle 0° may bein the range of about 25 degrees to about 45 degrees.

Stripper plate 1270 includes a first aperture 1271 and a pair of secondapertures 1272 a, 1272 b defined therethrough. The first aperture 1271of the stripper plate 1270 has a generally circumferential shape and isconfigured to receive the resilient members 158, 160 of the supportmechanism 128 (FIG. 11).

The pair of second apertures 1272 a and 1272 b are defined within aleading end 1275 of the stripper plate 1270 and are each configured toreceive a portion of a suture “S” of the specimen retrieval device 110for reasons discussed above. The pair of second apertures 1272 a and1272 b are positioned adjacent each other and are configured to helpguide the suture “S” as the suture “S” is being pulled proximally toclose the pouch 22 of the specimen retrieval apparatus 110 (FIG. 7).

Much like the stripper plate 170 described above, in the retractedconfiguration, the stripper plate 1270 is oriented at an angle 0° withinthe inner periphery of the outer shaft 114 with the leading end 1275 ofstripper plate 1270 facing distally. When the stripper plate 1270 ismoved from the retracted configuration (FIG. 8) to the deployedconfiguration (FIG. 11), the stripper plate 1270 tilts about theresilient members 158, 160 and orients itself at a second angle 0°relative to the longitudinal axis “A-A”. When the stripper plate 1270 isin the deployed configuration, proximal movement of the inner shaft 116relative to the outer shaft 114 causes a trailing end 1273 of thestripper plate 1270 to contact the distal end of the outer shaft 114 andthe pouch 122 to contact the leading end 1275 of the stripper plate 1270to uncouple the pouch 122 from the resilient members 158, 160 of thesupport member 128 at the distal end of the inner shaft 116.

Referring to FIG. 9E, the stripper plate 1370 is similar to stripperplate 1270 with the exception that the first aperture 1371 includes agenerally rectangular configuration. All other features of stripperplate 1370 are identical to stripper plate 1270 and operate in the samefashion, namely, second apertures 1372 a and 1372 b, major and minoraxes “B-B” and “C-C”, respectively, leading end 1375, trailing end 1373and peripheral wall 1379.

Referring to FIG. 9F, the stripper plate 1470 is similar to stripperplate 1270 with the exception that the trailing end 1475 of the stripperplate 1470 also includes a bump-out or protuberance 1478 adjacent thefirst aperture 1471. The protuberance 1478 extends outwardly from theleading end 1475 proximate second apertures 1472 a and 1472 b. Inembodiments, the bump-out 1478 may include a semi-circular configurationor a circular configuration. As a result, first aperture 1471 includes atrailing inner peripheral edge 1490 that is generally flush withtrailing end 1475 and a leading inner peripheral edge 1491 that extendsoutwardly from trailing end 1475. All other features of stripper plate1470 are identical to stripper plate 1270 and operate in the samefashion, namely, second apertures 1472 a and 1472 b, major and minoraxes “B-B” and “C-C”, respectively, leading end 1475, trailing end 1473and beveled edge 1479. Trailing end 1475 includes a top portion 1494 aand a bottom portion 1494 b. Beveled peripheral edge 1479 extends fromboth the top and bottom portions 1494 a, 1494 b, respectively, at thesame angle towards the leading end 1473 to facilitate seating of thestripper plate 1470 at a particular orientation within the innerperiphery of the outer shaft 114 prior to deployment.

In the retracted configuration, the stripper plate 1470 is oriented atan angle 0° within the inner periphery of the outer shaft 114 with thetrailing end 1475 and bump-out 1478 of stripper plate 1470 facingproximally. When the stripper plate 1470 is moved from the retractedconfiguration (FIG. 8) to the deployed configuration (FIG. 11), thestripper plate 1470 tilts about the resilient members 158, 160 andorients itself at a second angle 0° relative to the longitudinal axis“A-A”. When the stripper plate 1470 is in the deployed configuration,proximal movement of the inner shaft 116 relative to the outer shaft 114causes the trailing end 1475 of the stripper plate 1470 to contact thedistal end of the outer shaft 114, and the pouch 122 to contact theleading end 1473 of the stripper plate 1470 to uncouple the pouch 122from the resilient members 158, 160 of the support member 128 of theinner shaft 116. The bump-out 1478 is designed to be received in theinner periphery of the outer shaft 114 and center the stripper plate1470 thereagainst along axis “A-A” (see FIG. 8).

In embodiments, bump-outs 1478 may be included on both the trailing end1475 and leading end 1473 to facilitate alignment of the stripper platewithin the outer shaft 114 and uncoupling of the pouch 22 from theresilient members 158, 160.

Referring to FIG. 9G, the stripper plate 1570 is similar to stripperplate 170 with the exception that the second apertures 1572 a and 1572 bfor guiding the sutures “S” are different from the second triangularshaped aperture 172 of stripper plate 170. All other features ofstripper plate 1570 are identical to stripper plate 170 and operate inthe same fashion, namely, major and minor axes “B-B” and “C-C”,respectively, leading end 1575, trailing end 1573 and peripheral wall1579.

The pair of second apertures 1572 a and 1572 b extend through thestripper plate 1570. Each aperture 1572 a, 1572 b is configured toreceive a corresponding portion of a suture “S” of the specimenretrieval device 110 as discussed above. The pair of second apertures1572 a an d 1572 b is configured to help guide the suture “S” as thesuture “S” is being pulled proximally to close the pouch 122 (FIG. 7) ofthe specimen retrieval apparatus 110.

Much like the stripper plate 170 described above, in the retractedconfiguration, the stripper plate 1570 is oriented at an angle 0° withinthe inner periphery of the outer shaft 114. When the stripper plate 1570is moved from the retracted configuration (FIG. 8) to the deployedconfiguration (FIG. 11), the stripper plate 1570 tilts about theresilient members 158, 160 and orients itself at a second angle 0°relative to the longitudinal axis “A-A”. When the stripper plate 1570 isin the deployed configuration, proximal movement of the inner shaft 116relative to the outer shaft 114 causes a trailing end 1573 of thestripper plate 1570 to contact the distal end of the outer shaft 114,and the pouch 122 to contact the leading end 1575 of the stripper plate1570 to uncouple the pouch 122 from the resilient members 158, 160 ofthe support member 128 of the inner shaft 116.

FIGS. 9H-9J show alternate embodiments of stripper plates that may beutilized to both guide the suture “S” and assist in uncoupling the pouch122 from the resilient members 158, 160. Unlike the aforedescribedstripper plates, e.g., stripper plate 170, the stripper plates shown inFIGS. 9H-9J are not configured with a first aperture dimensioned toreceive the resilient members 158, 160 therethrough. Rather, thesestripper plate designs are configured to allow the resilient members158, 160 to extend distally on either side of the stripper plates.

Referring initially to FIG. 9H, a stripper plate 1670 is shown andincludes a generally cylindrical configuration with a centralizedaperture 1672 defined therethrough. The central aperture 1672 isconfigured to frictionally engage and guide the suture “S” therethroughin much the same manner as the second apertures, e.g., aperture 172,described above. The cylindrically-shaped stripper plate 1670 alsoincludes a relief 1695 defined therein which is positioned proximate toand in communication with the aperture 1672 when the stripper plate 1670is supported in the outer shaft 114. More specifically, when thestripper plate 1670 is positioned in the distal end of the outer shaft114, the relief 1695 extends along an axis substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the outer shaft 114 to facilitate passage of thesuture “S” from a proximal end of shaft 114 to the aperture 1672. Thestripper plate 1670 includes a length “L” defined by outer end portions1691 a, 1691 b. The length “L” is greater than the length of the innerdiameter of the outer shaft 114 to ensure that the stripper plate 1670cannot be moved back into the outer shaft 114 after the stripper plate1670 has been deployed from the outer shaft 114.

In the retracted configuration, the stripper plate 1670 is supportedwithin the outer shaft 114 with the resilient members 158, 160 extendingon either side of the stripper plate 1670. It is envisioned that both ofthe resilient members 158, 160 may extend along one side of the stripperplate 1670. When the stripper plate 1670 is moved from the retractedconfiguration (FIG. 8) to the deployed configuration (FIG. 11), thestripper plate 1670 self aligns on either side of the resilient members158, 160 and orients itself in a position extending across the distalend of the outer shaft 114. When the stripper plate 1670 is in thedeployed configuration, proximal movement of the inner shaft 116relative to the outer shaft 114 causes the stripper plate 1670 tocontact the distal end of the outer shaft 114 and the pouch 122 tocontact the stripper plate 1670 to uncouple the pouch 122 from theresilient members 158, 160 of the support member 128 of the inner shaft116.

FIG. 9I includes a stripper plate 1770 that is similar to stripper plate1670 with the exception that stripper plate 1770 includes a middleportion 1794 having a diameter D2 that is larger than the diameter D1 ofthe end portions of the stripper plate 1770. All other features ofstripper plate 1770 are identical to stripper plate 1670 and operate inthe same fashion.

For example, relief 1795 is configured to facilitate passage of thesuture “S” through the aperture 1772. The stripper plate 1770 includes alength “L” defined by outer end portions 1791 a, 1791 b that is greaterthan the inner diameter of the outer shaft 114 to ensure that thestripper plate 1770 cannot be moved back into the outer shaft 114 afterthe stripper plate 1770 has been deployed from the outer shaft 114.Operation of the stripper plate 1770 is identical to that of stripperplate 1670 and will not be described in further detail herein.

FIG. 9J includes a stripper plate 1870 that is similar to stripper plate1670 with the exception that stripper plate 1870 includes a bulgingmiddle portion 1894 that surrounds an aperture 1872 and is taperedtowards both ends 1891 a and 1891 b from bulging middle portion 1894. Inaddition, stripper plate 1870 includes a relief 1895 defined therein incommunication with the aperture 1872 to facilitate passage of the suture“S” therethrough. The stripper plate 1870 includes a length “L” definedby outer end portions 1891 a, 1891 b that is greater than the innerdiameter of the outer shaft 114 to ensure that the stripper plate 1870cannot be moved back into the outer shaft 114 after the stripper plate1870 has been deployed from the outer shaft 114.

Similar to the above stripper plates, stripper plates 1670 and 1770,proximal movement of the inner shaft 116 relative to the outer shaft 114causes the stripper plate 1870 to contact the distal end of the outershaft 114, and the pouch 122 to contact the stripper plate 1870 and touncouple the pouch 122 from the resilient members 158, 160 of thesupport member 128 of the inner shaft 116. Recesses 1892 a and 1892 bare defined at each respective end portion 1891 a and 1891 b of thestripper plate 1870. Each recess 1892, 1892 b is configured to engageopposing portions of the inner peripheral edge (not shown) of the distalend the outer shaft 114. As can be appreciated, the recesses 1892 a,1892 seat the stripper plate 1870 against the outer shaft 114 which, inturn, facilitates, uncoupling of the resilient members 158, 160 from thepouch 122.

Referring to FIG. 9K, a stripper plate 1970 is shown and includes agenerally hollow cylindrical configuration with a centralized aperture1971 defined therethrough. The central aperture 1971 is configured toboth accommodate the resilient members 158, 160 and guide the suture“S”. The cylindrically-shaped stripper plate 1970 also includes arounded trailing end 1975 and a leading end 1973. A series of outwardlybiased tab-like living hinges 1997 surround the outer peripheral surface1980 of the stripper plate 1970 and are biased to self-deploy and extendoutwardly from the outer peripheral surface 1980 of stripper plate 1970when the stripper plate 1970 is deployed from the outer shaft 114 asexplained in detail below. A series of slits (or flex reliefs) 1999 aredefined within the outer peripheral surface 1980 of the stripper plate1970 and are interposed between each living hinge 1997. The slits 1999are configured to allow the stripper plate 1970 to flex inwardly forinsertion into the distal end of the outer shaft 144 during assembly.

In the retracted configuration, the stripper plate 1970 is positionedwith the hinges 1997 in a compressed condition within the innerperiphery of the outer shaft 114 with the trailing end 1975 of stripperplate 1970 facing proximally. Both the resilient members 158, 160 andthe suture(s) “S” are positioned to extend through aperture 1971. Theliving hinges 1997 are biased against the inner periphery of the outershaft 114 in friction-fit engagement to hold the stripper plate 1970within the outer shaft 114. Once stripper plate 1970 is moved to thedeployed configuration, the living hinges 1997 self-deploy and extendoutwardly from the outer peripheral surface 1980 of stripper plate 1970to prevent the stripper plate 1970 from re-entering the outer shaft 114.Proximal movement of the inner shaft 116 relative to the outer shaft 114forces a portion the trailing end 1975 of the stripper plate 1970 intothe inner periphery of the outer shaft 114 such that the living hinges1997 engage the distal end or rim of the outer shaft 114 preventing theentire stripper plate 1970 from re-entering the inner periphery of theouter shaft 114.

Once the living hinges 1997 are positioned against the outer shaft 114,further proximal movement of the inner shaft 116 causes the pouch 122 tocontact the leading end 1973 of the stripper plate 1970 and uncouple thepouch 122 from the resilient members 158, 160 of the support member 128of the inner shaft 116.

All of the aforementioned embodiments of the stripper plate describedabove, namely, 170, 1170, 1270, 1370, 1470, 1570, 1670, 1770, 1870 and1970, have common attributes. For example, the main purpose of thestripper plate is to preclude the specimen bag (once deployed) frombeing drawn back into the outer shaft 114 by acting as a backstop to thedistal end of the outer shaft 114. In some embodiments, the stripperplates serve as a fixation point for the suture “S” as the suture “S”passes though the plate and is secured to itself behind the stripperplate and/or to the stripper plate. The plate also acts to prevent thesuture from being reversed though the suture aperture, e.g., aperture1172 a. In some embodiments, the stripper plate is slideable in a distaldirection through the inner periphery of the outer shaft 114, but oncedeployed, the plate is designed to flip (in most instances) or re-orientitself to preclude reentry of the plate into the outer shaft 114.

In some embodiments, the apertures in the plate, e.g., apertures 1171and 1172 are configured to predispose the stripper plate to re-orientitself relative to the distal end of the outer shaft 114 and thelongitudinal axis “A-A” extending therethrough to facilitate uncouplingof the specimen bag 122 from the resilient members 158, 160 andretrieval of the specimen bag 122. In some embodiments, the mainaperture, e.g., aperture 1171, is designed to allow the resilientmembers 158, 160 and the specimen bag 122 to pass therethrough. In someembodiments, one or more reliefs are disposed along the stripper plateto facilitate translation of the suture “S” therethrough and facilitatethe plate re-orienting itself with respect to the longitudinal axis“A-A”.

Referring again to FIG. 7, specimen retrieval device 110 includes awedge member 185 having a grasping portion 186 and a coupling portion187. The wedge member 185 is provided to prevent movement of the innershaft 116 in relation to the outer shaft 114 from the partiallyretracted position (FIG. 8), or shipping position, to the extendedposition (FIG. 11) to prevent inadvertent deployment of the stripperplate 170 as will be discussed in detail below. Only stripper plate 170will be described with respect to the embodiments of the specimenretrieval device to be described herein. However, it is contemplatedthat any of the above-described stripper plates 1170, 1270, 1370, 1470,1570, 1670, 1770, 1870, and 1970 may be utilized with any of thefeatures and embodiments described in this specification.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the grasping portion 186 of the wedge member185 is configured for grasping by a clinician and the coupling portion187 is configured to releasably couple the wedge member 185 to the innershaft 116 adjacent a handle 123 of the specimen retrieval device 110.The coupling portion 187 of the wedge member 185 may couple to the innershaft 116 via a friction or press fit, or via other suitable couplingmethods and/or devices. For example, coupling portion 187 can includeflexible arms which define a channel dimensioned in receive the innershaft 116. The flexible arms flex apart to receive the inner shaft 116within the channel and flex together to releasably secure the wedgemember 185 about the inner shaft 116.

As discussed above, the wedge member 185 is configured to preventinadvertent deployment of the stripper plate 170 from the outer shaft114 during shipping and during preparation prior to use. Specifically,when the coupling portion 187 of the wedge member 185 is coupled to theinner shaft 116, the coupling portion 187 is configured to contact aproximal portion of the housing 112 (FIG. 7) of the specimen retrievaldevice 110 and the handle 122 to prevent a clinician from moving thehandle 123 of the inner shaft 116 to its distal-most positon. Thus, thewedge member 185 functions as a spacer to maintain separation betweenthe inner shaft 116 and the handle 123 to prevent movement of the innershaft 116 in relation to the housing 112 and the outer shaft 114 to thefully extended position.

Operation of the specimen retrieval device 110 is substantially similarto that of the specimen retrieval device 10. As discussed above, thespecimen retrieval device 110 is shipped with the pouch 22 in a deployedposition and the inner shaft 116 in a partially retracted position asshown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Prior to use, the inner shaft 116 can be movedproximally in relation to the outer shaft 114 to move the pouch 122 intothe outer shaft 114 to facilitate insertion of the outer shaft 116through a small incision or small diameter cannula. When this occurs,the resilient members 158, 160 of the support mechanism will be drawnthrough the first aperture 171 of stripper plate 170 into the outershaft 114. Thereafter, the outer shaft 114 may be positioned within apatient in a manner as described above.

In order to deploy the pouch 122 and the stripper plate 170 from theouter shaft 114, the wedge member 185 is removed from the inner shaft116 by pulling the grasping portion 186 of the wedge member 185 toseparate the coupling portion 187 from the inner shaft 116. Thereafter,the inner shaft 116 is moved to the extended position (see FIG. 10) incontact with the housing 112. The inner shaft 116 can be moved to thefully extended position because the wedge member 185 is removed and doesnot obstruct movement of the handle 133. When this occurs, a distal endof the inner shaft 116 engages and pushes the stripper plate 170 fromthe distal end of the outer shaft 114. As discussed above with regard todevice 10 shown in FIGS. 1-6, this movement of the inner shaft 114causes the pouch 122 to be released by the retention member 26 (FIG.2A). Once the stripper plate 170 is deployed from the outer shaft 114, aclinician can move the inner shaft 116 proximally in relation to theouter shaft 114. Unlike the pouch 22 of the specimen retrieval device10, however, the pouch 122 of the specimen retrieval device 110 which isconfigured to contact the distal end of the outer shaft 116, the pouch122 of retrieval device 110 is configured to contact the leading end 175of the stripper plate 170 to separate the pouch 122 from the resilientmembers 158, 160 of the specimen retrieval device 110. Once the pouch122 has been separated from the inner shaft 116, a clinician may proceedin a manner as described above with respect to the specimen retrievaldevice 10 to cinch or close the pouch 122.

Referring to FIGS. 12A-12B, a specimen retrieval device 210 according toanother embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Thespecimen retrieval device 210 functions similar to the specimenretrieval devices 10, 110 and includes, inter alia, the retention member26 and sled 24 assembly described with respect to FIGS. 1-6.Accordingly, only the functional features that are unique to thespecimen retrieval device 210 are described herein.

The specimen retrieval device 210 includes a housing 212 and an outershaft 214 that extends distally from the housing 212. As with each ofthe embodiments disclosed herein, the housing 212 and the outer shaft214 can be formed integrally as a single unit. The housing 212 and theouter shaft 214 together define a longitudinal bore 214 a which extendsalong a longitudinal axis. The housing 212 and/or the outer shaft 214include one or more blocking members in the form of detents 218 that arepositioned on an interior wall defining the longitudinal bore 214 a. Ascan be appreciated, more or less detents 218 may be positioned on theinterior wall of the housing 212 as will be discussed in further detailbelow.

An inner shaft 216 is movably positioned within the longitudinal bore214 of the housing 212 and the outer shaft 214. The inner shaft 216 isconfigured to function in a manner similar to that of inner shaft 16.The inner shaft 216 supports a support mechanism 228 at its distal endwhich includes a pair of resilient members (not explicitly shown)similar to support mechanism 28 (FIG. 1) described above. The resilientmembers are configured to support a pouch 222 which is substantiallysimilar to pouch 22 and pouch 122 described above.

The inner shaft 216 is movable from a partially retracted position (FIG.12A), the shipping position of the retrieval device 210, in which thepouch 222 is deployed and the stripper plate 170 is positioned withinthe distal end of the outer shaft 214, to a fully retracted position,and thereafter, to an extended position (FIG. 12B) in which the pouch222 and the stripper plate 170 are both deployed. The specimen retrievaldevice 210 further includes an actuation mechanism which functions toenlarge the effective stroke of the inner shaft 216 upon retraction ofthe inner shaft 216 from the partially retracted position (FIG. 12A) toa fully retracted position (FIG. 17) to facilitate movement of the innershaft 216 from the fully retracted position to the extended position(FIG. 12B) as discussed in further detail below.

Referring also to FIGS. 13-15, the inner shaft 216 includes one or moreproximal apertures 225 a and one or more distal apertures 225 b ofsuitable configuration. For illustrative purposes, two proximalapertures 225 a and two distal apertures 225 b are illustrated. Each ofthe proximal and distal apertures 225 a, 225 b are longitudinally spacedalong the inner shaft 216 and positioned to receive a respectiveprotrusion 233 as discussed in further detail below. A groove 229 ofsuitable configuration is defined along the inner shaft 216 between eachof the proximal and distal apertures 225 a and 225 b and communicateswith each respective distal aperture 225 b. The grooves 229 have a widthwhich is dimensioned to receive a respective detent 218 but is smallerthan the width of protrusions 233 and apertures 225 a and 225 b. Forillustrative purposes, two grooves 229 are shown in the figures (See,e.g., FIG. 16). The groove 229 is configured to slidably receive thedetent 218 of the housing 212 when the inner shaft 216 is moved inrelation to the outer shaft 214 and the housing 212 from the partiallyretracted position (FIG. 12A) to the fully retracted position (FIG. 17).As can be appreciated, a second groove 229 is only required where twoapertures 225 a and two detents 218 are provided.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 13-15, the inner shaft 216 includes ahandle or actuation device 223 that is capable of being repositioned onthe inner shaft 216 to change the effective stroke of the inner shaft216. The handle 223 includes one or more arms 221 that extend distallyfrom the handle 223 and into a cavity 231 (FIG. 13) provided at aproximal end of the inner shaft 216 when the handle 223 is coupled tothe inner shaft 216 (see FIG. 13 for example). The arms 221 arc flexibleand include a protrusion 233 (detent, barb or the like) at a distal endthereof that is configured to be received in one of the proximal anddistal apertures 225 a, 225 b of the inner shaft 216 to connect thehandle 223 to the inner shaft 223. When the handle 223 is connected tothe inner shaft 216 via the distal apertures 225 a, the handle 223 ispositioned to engage the proximal end of the housing 212 to limitadvancement of the inner shaft 216 to the partially retracted position(FIG. 12 A). In contrast, when the handle 223 is connected to the innershaft 216 via the proximal apertures 225 b, the stroke of the innershaft 216 is lengthened to facilitate movement of the inner shaft 216 tothe extended position as shown in FIG. 12B as will be discussed infurther detail below.

As discussed above with respect to the specimen retrieval devices 10 and110, the surgical retrieval device 210 includes a retention member 26and sled 24 assembly such as discussed above. The assembly functions asdescribed above and will not be shown or discussed in further detailherein. Alternatively, the retention member 24 described above can beconnected directly to handle 223 by a retention member connector 226(FIGS. 13 and 14). The retention member 26 functions as described aboveto releasably couple the pouch 222 to the support mechanism 228 of theinner shaft 216 but is actuated by the connector 226 rather than thesled 24. More specifically, a proximal portion of the retention memberconnector 226 is operably coupled directly to the handle 223 of theinner shaft 216 via one or more suitable coupling methods, and thedistal end of the connector 226 is connected to the retention member 26.One or more additional grooves (not shown) are provided along the innershaft 216 which are configured to slidably receive the retention memberconnector 226 so that the retention member connector 226 can be moved inrelation to the inner shaft 216 along a longitudinal axis definedthrough the outer shaft 214 when the handle 223 moves in relation to theinner shaft 216 as described in further detail below.

A stripper plate (FIGS. 12A and 12B) may also be provided on thespecimen retrieval device 210 which is configured and functions asdescribed above with respect to any of the stripper plates disclosedherein, e.g., stripper plate 170. Further, a cinch puller, e.g., cinchpuller 62, and suture “S” may be provided to facilitate closure of thepouch 222 as described above.

Referring to FIGS. 12A and 16, the specimen retrieval device 210 may beshipped with the pouch 222 in a deployed configuration (FIG. 12A) andthe inner shaft 216 in the partially retracted position. In thisposition, the protrusion 233 of the arms 221 are received within thedistal apertures 225 b (FIG. 16) and the handle 223 is positioned inabutment with the housing 212 to prevent further distal translation ofthe inner shaft 216 in relation to the housing 212 and the outer shaft214. As shown in FIG. 12A, with the handle 223 in this position, thepouch 222 will be deployed from the outer shaft 214 and the stripperplate 170 will remain within the distal end of the outer shaft 214.

Prior to use of the specimen retrieval device 210, the inner shaft 216is moved proximally in relation to the outer shaft 214 (FIG. 13) toposition the pouch 222 within the outer shaft 214 so that the outershaft 214 may be inserted through a natural or manmade orifice andpositioned adjacent target tissue within a body cavity. Referring toFIGS. 16A-17, as the handle 223 is pulled proximally to move the innershaft 216 toward the fully retracted position, the detents 218 formedalong an inner wall of the housing 212 (or outer shaft 214) move alongthe grooves 229 and into engagement with the protrusions 233 formed onarms 221 of the handle 223 (FIG. 16A). When the detents engage theprotrusions 233, a tapered cam 218 a surface formed on the detents 218deforms the arms 221 outwardly to remove the protrusions from the distalapertures 225 a (FIG. 16B). When the protrusions 233 become disengagedfrom the apertures 225 a, the handle 223 moves proximally independentlyof the inner shaft 216 until the protrusions 233 snap into the proximalprotrusions 225 b (FIG. 17). As discussed above, the handle 223 may bedirectly connected to the retention member 26 (FIG. 2A) by the connector226. As such, when the handle 223 moves proximally independently of theinner shaft 216, the retention member 26 will be withdrawn fromengagement with the protrusions 34 on the inner shaft 216 to disengagethe retention member 26 from the protrusions 34.

Referring to FIGS. 12B and 18, once the protrusions 233 are received inthe proximal openings 225 a of the inner shaft 216 and the handle 223 isrecoupled to the inner shaft 216, the handle 223 can be moved proximallyto advance the inner shaft 216 to the fully extended position to deploythe pouch 222 and the stripper plate, e.g., stripper plate 170 from theouter shaft 214 (FIG. 12B). As illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, thereconfiguration of the handle 223 in relation to the inner shaft 216increases the effective stroke of the inner shaft 216 by a distanceequal to D₂-D₁ to facilitate deployment of both the pouch 222 and thestripper plate 170.

After the specimen retrieval pouch 210 is deployed and the surgicalprocedure has been completed, the pouch can be disengaged from the innershaft 216 as discussed above. More specifically, the handle 223 can beretracted to retract the inner shaft 216 to the fully retractedposition. As the inner shaft is withdrawn into the outer shaft 214, thepouch 222 moves into contact with the stripper plate, e.g., stripperplate 170, and the stripper plate abuts the distal end of the outershaft 214. As discussed above, this engagement causes the pouch 222 toslide off the resilient members of the support mechanism 228 as theinner shaft 216 is moved further proximally. Once the pouch 222 isuncoupled from the support mechanism 228, a cinch puller (e.g., similarto the cinch puller 62) may be actuated to close the pouch 222 in amanner as described above.

With reference to FIGS. 19-21, a specimen retrieval device 310 accordingto an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Inthe embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 19-21, an actuation device in theform of a removable handle 323 is removably coupled to the inner shaft316 of the specimen retrieval device 310. The handle 323 serves a dualpurpose. More specifically, handle 323 is operable for moving an innershaft 316 in relation to an outer shaft 314 and also for cinching anopen end of a pouch 322 supported on a support mechanism 328 of thespecimen retrieval device 310. The distal portion of handle 323 may fitwithin the outer shaft 314 or, alternatively, may abut the outer shaft314.

Specimen retrieval device 310 includes a release mechanism 390 pivotablydisposed on a top surface 393 of the handle 323. Specifically, therelease mechanism 390 can be overmolded to the handle 323 such that aliving hinge 390 is formed between the top surface 393 of the handle 323and the release mechanism 390. Alternately, other hinge mechanisms maybe used to secure the release mechanism 390 to the handle 323. Therelease mechanism 390 is movable from a locked configuration (FIG. 20)in which the handle 323 is coupled to the inner shaft 316 to an unlockedconfiguration (FIG. 21) in which the handle 323 is uncoupled from theinner shaft 316. A proximal end 390 a of the release mechanism 390 isdepressible for disengaging a mechanical interface, e.g., a detent 394,of the release mechanism 390 from a corresponding mechanical interface,e.g., an indent 391, on the inner shaft 316 (FIGS. 20 and 21) touncouple the handle 323 from the inner shaft 316. The release mechanism390 can be biased or naturally resilient to urge the release mechanism390 to the locked configuration. A cinch, e.g., a suture “S,” has aproximal end coupled to a distal end of the handle 323 and a distal endpositioned about an opening in the pouch 322 to facilitate closure ofthe pouch opening as described above.

In use, with the release mechanism 390 in the locked configuration, theinner shaft 316 may be moved in a relation to the outer shaft 314 tomove the pouch 322 within the outer shaft 314 so that the outer shaft314 may be inserted through a natural or manmade orifice on a patientand positioned adjacent target tissue.

Thereafter, the specimen retrieval device 310 may be configured touncouple the pouch 322 from the resilient members of the supportmechanism of the specimen retrieval device 310 as described above withrespect to the specimen retrieval devices 10, 110, 210.

Once the pouch is uncoupled from the inner shaft 316, the inner shaft316 can be retracted to facilitate separation of the pouch 322 from thesupport mechanism 328 using, for example, a stripper plate or the distalend of the outer shaft 314. Next, the release mechanism 390 may bedepressed to release the handle 323 from the inner shaft 316.Thereafter, the handle 323 can be moved proximally in relation to thedevice 310 to cinch the pouch 322. As can be appreciated, a specimenretrieval device 310 that utilizes the release mechanism 390 makes thespecimen retrieval device 310 more intuitive to use.

Referring to FIG. 22, a specimen retrieval device 410 according toanother embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Thisembodiment utilizes a lock-out device in the form of a lever 485 that isconfigured to replace the wedge members 185, 285 of specimen retrievaldevices 110 and 210 described above. Specifically, the lever 485 ismovable from a locked configuration in which the lever 485 is positionedto engage the handle 423 to prevent engagement between a proximal end ofa housing 412 and a distal end of handle 423 of an inner shaft 416, toan unlocked configuration (shown in phantom) in which the lever 485 isspaced from the handle 423 to allow engagement between the proximal endof the housing 412 and the handle 423. The lever 485 prevents the innershaft 416 from moving to the extended position in the lockedconfiguration to prevent inadvertent deployment of the stripper plate,e.g., stripper plate 170 (FIG. 8).

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22, the lever 485 has a generallyelongated configuration and is disposed adjacent a proximal end of thehousing 412. The lever 485 includes a leading end 484 that is pivotablycoupled to the housing 412 via a pivot pin and a trailing end 486 thatis configured to engage a distal end of the handle 423. The lever 485 isseated within a notch 483 that is defined within an exterior of thehousing 412. The notch 483 is defined by at least one wall 487 that isconfigured to contact at least a portion of the lever 485 and maintainthe lever 485 in the locked configuration. The specimen retrieval device410 may be utilized in a manner as described above with respect to thespecimen retrieval devices that utilize one of the aforementioned wedgemembers 185, 285, e.g. the specimen retrieval devices 110, 210.

FIGS. 23A-23C illustrate portions of a specimen retrieval device 1000according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As describedabove, it is advantageous to ship a specimen pouch in a deployedcondition to reduce the likelihood of memory wrinkles being formed onthe pouch. The specimen retrieval device 1000 may be shipped for usewith pouch in an unfolded and deployed configuration, outside of theouter shaft 1014, with a stripper plate 170 (FIG. 7) positioned withinan outer shaft 1014. In order to prevent initial deployment of thestripper plate 170 during shipping, the inner shaft 1016 must beprevented from moving distally until the specimen pouch is pulled (viaproximal movement of the inner shaft 1016) within the outer shaft 1014to facilitate positioning of the outer shaft 1014 of the specimenretrieval device 1000 through a small body incision or cannula into abody cavity.

In order to accomplish this, the specimen retrieval device 1000 includesstructure that serves a similar function to the above described wedgemembers 185 and 285 and lockout device 485, i.e., to prevent inadvertentdistal advancement of the inner shaft 1016 relative to the housing 1012and, thus, prevent premature deployment of the stripper plate 170 fromthe outer shaft 1014.

In one particular embodiment, the specimen retrieval device 1000includes a housing 1012 and an outer shaft 1014 that extends distallyfrom the housing 1012. See FIG. 23A. The outer shaft 1014 defines alongitudinal bore 1011 therethrough. An inner shaft 1016 (FIG. 23A) isselectively translatable through the bore 1011. Inner shaft 1016 may betubular or be shaped to limit relative rotation within the outer shaft1014. For example, the inner and outer shafts can include one or moreflats to prevent relative rotation. A cam lock 1080 (FIG. 23B) issupported on the housing 1012 and acts to prevent initial distaltranslation of the inner shaft 1016 relative to the housing 1012 (andprevent unintended deployment of the stripper plate 170) until theclinician retracts the inner shaft 1016 to position the specimen pouch,e.g., 22, 122, within the outer shaft 1014 to facilitate insertion ofthe specimen device 1000 through a trocar as described above.

Referring to FIGS. 23A-23C, cam lock 1080 is mounted to housing 1012about a pivot 1024 and is rotatable from a first position wherein thecam lock 1080 acts to prevent initial distal translation of the innershaft 1016 to a second position wherein the inner shaft 1016 is distallytranslatable within the outer shaft 1014 to deploy the specimen pouch22, 122 and stripper plate 170 as described above with to respect to theembodiments of FIGS. 7-22. Cam lock 1080 is generally C-shaped andincludes first and second portions 1081 a and 1081 b, respectively.First portion 1081 a is configured to engage corresponding interfaces1022 a and 1022 b disposed on an upper surface 1016 a of the outerperiphery of inner shaft 1016 to prevent accidental deployment of thestripper plate 170 as described in more detail below. Once rotated,second portion 1081 b of cam lock 1080 is configured to lock the camlock 1080 in the second position as described in more detail below.

Portions 1081 a and 1081 b of cam lock 1080 include outer surfaces 1084and 1082 and inner surfaces 1086 and 1087, respectively. The innersurfaces 1086 and 1087 mutually define an aperture 1085 therebetween.First portion 1081 a is configured to extend in a first plane positionedabove the upper surface 1016 a of the inner shaft 1016, while secondportion 1081 b is offset from the first plane and configured to extendin a second plane below the first plane as viewed in FIG. 23A to engagea side 1016 b of shaft 1016. Engagement between second portion 1081 band side 1016 b of shaft 1016 prevents rotation of cam lock 1080 in aclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 23A to prevent translation of theinner shaft 1016 towards an extended position.

In an embodiment, cam lock 1080 defines an elongated pivot hole 1083that is configured to receive a pivot 1024 disposed atop housing 1012.In one embodiment, pivot 1024 is also elongated and is dimensioned suchthat as cam lock 1080 rotates from the first position to the secondposition, a portion of the cam lock 1080 defining the elongated pivothole 1083 engages the pivot 1024 such that the pivot 1024 locks againstan inner periphery 1083 a of pivot hole 1083 in the second position (SeeFIG. 23C). It is envisioned that either the pivot hole 1083 or the pivot1024 may be shaped to effect frictional engagement between the cam lock1080 and the pivot member 1024 to retain the cam lock 1080 in the secondposition.

As mentioned above, the specimen retrieval device 1000 may be shippedwith the inner shaft 1016 in a partially retracted position such thatthe pouch 22, 122 is in an unfolded and deployed configuration, and thestripper plate 170 is in an undeployed condition positioned within theouter shaft 1014. In order to prevent inadvertent initial deployment ofthe stripper plate 170, the inner shaft 1016 is prevented from beingadvanced to the extended position from the partially retracted positionby the cam lock 1080. More particularly, the inner surface 1086 of firstportion 1081 a of the cam lock 1080 is initially positioned to abutinterface 1022 a on inner shaft 1016 when the inner shaft 1016 is in thepartially retracted position (FIG. 23A). Since the cam lock 1080 canonly rotate in a counter-clockwise direction because of engagementbetween second portion 1081 b of cam lock 1080 with side 1016 b of innershaft 1016, distal advancement of the inner shaft 1016 is prevented. Inuse, a clinician unpacks the specimen retrieval device 1000 from itsshipping container and readies the device 1000 for insertion into asurgical cavity by pulling the inner shaft 1016 proximally to translatethe inner shaft 1016 within the outer shaft 1014. As discussed above,interface 1022 a prevents movement of the inner shaft 1016 from thepartially retracted position (FIG. 23A) directly to the extendedposition. Proximal translation of the inner shaft 1016 within the outershaft 1014 withdraws the specimen pouch 22, 122 into a distal end of theouter shaft 1016. The clinician draws the inner shaft 1016 proximallyuntil interface 1022 b of inner shaft 1016 engages the outer surface1084 of first portion 1081 a. When the interface 1022 b engages firstportion 1081 a of cam lock 1080, the interface 1022 b forces the camlock 1080 to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction. Continuedwithdrawal of shaft 1016 forces cam lock 1080 to rotate and lock in thesecond position (approximately 90 degrees of rotation) (FIG. 23C)wherein the first portion 1081 a is generally parallel to inner shaft1016. As mentioned above, the second portion 1081 b (and/or theconfiguration of the pivot 1024 within the pivot hole 1083) may be usedto lock the cam lock 1080 in the second position. Other mechanisms(explained below with respect to FIGS. 24A-24D) may also be utilized toaccomplish this purpose.

Once the specimen pouch 22, 122 is withdrawn into the outer shaft 1014and the cam lock 1080 is locked in the second position, the clinicianmay selectively advance the inner shaft 1016 to deploy the specimenpouch 22, 122 within an operating cavity of a patient withoutinterference from the cam lock 1080. More particularly, in the secondposition, the cam lock 1080 does not interfere with or engageinterferences 1022 a or 1022 b on the inner shaft 1016 during distaltranslation of the inner shaft 1016. Distal advancement of the innershaft 1016 to the extended position will also deploy the stripper plate,e.g., stripper plate 170. See FIGS. 7-11. Indicia or tactile elements(not shown) may be included on the specimen retrieval device 1000 toprovide feedback to the clinician that the inner shaft 1016 ispositioned to effect deployment of the specimen pouch 22, 122.

As best shown in FIGS. 24A-24D, one or more mechanisms may be utilizedto lock the cam lock 1080 in the second position. For example, the camlock 1080 may be configured such that in the second position of the camlock 1080, the second portion 1081 b engages a spring 1032 disposedproximate the side 1016 b of inner shaft 1016 and locks the cam lock1080 in the second position. FIGS. 24A-24D detail this sequence ofoperation.

FIG. 24A shows an alternate embodiment of the cam lock 1080 with theinner shaft partially retracted in a shipping position. In thisposition, the cam lock 1080 is prevented from rotating in a clockwisedirection by virtue of the geometry of the housing 1012, one or morepins, ribs or other known locking mechanisms, not shown. In thisposition, the first portion 1081 a of cam lock 1080 extends into a track1023 defined in a side wall of inner shaft 1016 such that an interface1022 a defined at one end of track 1023 is positioned to abut the firstportion 1081 a of the cam lock 1080 to prevent distal translation of theinner shaft 1016. An outer surface 1082 of the second portion 1081 b ofthe cam lock 1080 is positioned to contact the spring 1032. The cam lock1080 is free to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction. As discussed infurther detail below, spring 1032 may be configured to provide theclinician with tactile feedback as the second portion 1081 b of the camlock 1080 is rotated over the spring 1032 upon proximal translation ofthe inner shaft 1016.

FIG. 24B shows the specimen retrieval device 1000 near full retractionof the inner shaft 1016 with respect to the housing 1012. Moreparticularly, as inner shaft 1016 nears full retraction and the specimenretrieval pouch 22, 122 is withdrawn into the outer shaft 1014,interface 1022 b defined at the other end of the track 1023 engages theouter surface 1084 of first portion 1081 a of the cam lock 1080 andforces the cam lock 1080 to rotate in a counter clock-wise direction asviewed in FIG. 24B toward a second unlocked position. As cam lock 1080is rotated toward the second position, the second portion 1081 b of thecam lock 1080 is rotated against the bias of the spring 1032 to providea tactile feedback to the clinician that the inner shaft 1016 is nearingfull retraction and the specimen pouch 22, 122 is almost fullypositioned within the outer shaft 1014.

As best shown in FIGS. 24C-24D, once the inner shaft 1016 is fullyretracted within the outer shaft 1014 (FIG. 24C), an extension 1087 ofthe second portion 1081 b rotates over and locks against the spring 1032to lock the cam lock 1080 in the second position. In the secondposition, the cam lock 1080 is positioned outside of the track 1023 toallow unimpeded distal translation of the inner shaft 1016 to theextended position with respect to the housing 1012 to effect deploymentof the specimen pouch 22, 122 and stripper plate 170 as discussed above.

FIGS. 25A-27 show another embodiment of a specimen retrieval device 2000having a shipping lockout in the form of a removable shipping wedge 2100which prevents movement of an inner shaft 2016 from a partiallyretracted or shipping position to an extended position. Specimenretrieval device 2000 is similar to the specimen retrieval devicesdetailed above and, accordingly, only those features unique to specimenretrieval device 2000 are described herein. Specifically, a clinicianmust initially retract the inner shaft 2016 from a partially retractedor shipping position to a fully retracted position to release a lockingdevice and move the pouch 22, 122 into the outer shaft 2014 before theinner shaft 2016 can be advanced to the extended position. Thereafter,the outer shaft 2014 may be positioned within a patient in a manner asdescribed above and the specimen pouch 22, 122 and stripper plate, e.g.,170 (FIGS. 7-11) can be fully deployed.

FIG. 25A shows an exploded, perspective view of the specimen retrievaldevice 2000 having a housing 2012 and inner and outer shafts 2016, 2014,respectively, that are selectively translatable relative to one anotherto withdraw and deploy the specimen retrieval pouch 22, 122. A groove orslot 2018 is defined within the housing 2012 and is configured toreceive the removable shipping wedge 2100 therein. An alignment channel2017 is defined in the inner shaft 2016 and is dimensioned to align withslot 2018 when the inner shaft 2016 is fully retracted and specimenpouch 22, 122 is withdrawn into outer shaft 2014 as explained in moredetail below. A flexible finger 2019 is disposed on the inner shaft 2016proximal to channel 2017 and is configured to prevent advancement of theinner shaft 2016 from the fully retracted position towards the extendedposition until the shipping wedge 2100 is removed from the specimenretrieval device 2000, as explained in more detail below. In addition,the inner shaft 2016 includes a stop surface 2022 that is positioned toengage the shipping wedge 2100 when the inner shaft 2016 is in thepartially retracted or shipping position to prevent movement of theinner shaft 2016 from the partially retracted position to the extendedposition prior to removal of the shipping wedge 2100.

Referring to FIG. 25B, shipping wedge 2100 includes a handle 2120 havingan elongated shaft 2116 that extends therefrom. The shaft 2116 includesan interface 2110 at a distal end thereof that is configured to bereceived within slot 2018 in housing 2012. Interface 2110 includesopposing surfaces 2112 and 2114 that define a notch 2011 which slidablyreceives the inner shaft 2016 while allowing translation of the innershaft 2016 therethrough.

As best shown in FIG. 26, in the partially retracted position of theinner shaft 2016 or the shipping position of the specimen retrievaldevice 2000, the shipping wedge 2100 is positioned through the slot 2018within the housing 2012 such that the inner shaft 2016 (or a portionthereof) is received through the notch 2111 (FIG. 25B). The shippingwedge 2100 is prevented from being removed laterally from slot 2018 byvirtue of the inter-engagement of surfaces 2112, 2114 of interface 2110with the sides inner shaft 2016. The stop surface 2022 is disposed on aproximal end of inner shaft 2016 and configured to engage the innershaft 2016 to prevent initial distal translation of the inner shaft 2016past the shipping wedge 2100 (FIG. 25A). This prevents the distal end ofthe inner shaft from deploying the stripper plate, e.g., the stripperplate 170, from the outer shaft 2014. When the inner shaft 2016 ispositioned in the partially retracted position such that the stopsurface 2022 engages the shipping wedge 2100, further distal advancementof the inner shaft 2016 is prevented. In this position, the inner shaft2016 is positioned a distance “d” from the extended position. Distance“d” represents the dwell distance required for deploying the stripperplate 170 from the outer shaft 2014. It is envisioned that the dwelldistance “d” can be greater than the distance the stripper plate 170 ispositioned within the distal end of the outer shaft 2014. Once theshipping wedge 2100 is removed (as explained below), the inner shaft2016 may be translated distally to its extended position to deploy thestripper plate 170 from the outer shaft 2014 (See FIGS. 7-10).

Prior to use of the specimen retrieval device 2000, the clinicianretracts the inner shaft 2016 by withdrawing the handle 2023 to withdrawthe specimen pouch 22, 122 into the distal end of the outer shaft 2016.The clinician continues to draw the inner shaft 2016 proximally untilthe flexible finger 2019 (FIG. 25A) disposed on inner shaft 2016 isdeflected by, and withdrawn beneath the interface 2110 of the shippingwedge 2100 and moves to a proximal side thereof as shown in FIG. 27.Various known audible or tactile elements may be utilized to providefeedback to the clinician to indicate that the inner shaft 2016 is fullyretracted and the specimen pouch 22, 122 has been adequately withdrawninto the outer shaft 2014. For example, the clinician may feel or hear asnap as the flexible finger 2019 is released after it passes beneath theshipping wedge 2100.

As best shown in FIG. 27, when the flexible finger 2019 passes underinterface 2110 of the shipping wedge 2100, the inner shaft 2016 is inthe fully retracted position and the specimen pouch 22, 122 ispositioned within the outer shaft 2014. At this point, distal movementof the inner shaft 2016 is prevented by the flexible finger 2019 whichis positioned to engage the shipping wedge 2100 until the shipping wedge2100 is removed.

When the inner shaft 2016 is in the fully retracted position, thechannel 2017 defined by the inner shaft 2016 aligns with correspondingslot 2018 defined within housing 2012 to facilitate removal of theshipping wedge 2100 from the specimen retrieval device 2000.

In order to remove the shipping wedge 2100 from the device 2000, aclinician pulls the handle 2120 of the shipping wedge 2100 transversallywith respect to the inner shaft 2016 in the direction “R” (FIG. 27) towithdraw the shipping wedge 2100 through the channel 2017 in the innershaft 2016 and the slot 2018 in housing 2012 and release the interface2110 from inner shaft 2016. With the shipping wedge removed, the innershaft 2016 is free to be translated distally to deploy the specimenpouch 22, 122 (See FIG. 27).

A method of preventing inadvertent deployment of a specimen pouch 22,122 of a specimen retrieval device 2000 is also disclosed and includesproviding a specimen retrieval device 2000 having a housing 2012 with aslot 2018, an inner shaft 2016 and an outer shaft 2014. The outer shaft2014 defines a bore 2011 extending therethrough that is connected to thehousing 2012. An inner shaft 2016 is disposed within the bore 2011 andis translatable therethrough, the inner shaft including a supportmechanism 28 (See FIG. 6) configured to releasably support the specimenpouch 22, 122 at a distal end thereof and a flange 2022 disposed at aproximal end. A removable shipping wedge 2100 includes an interface 2110at a distal end thereof that is configured to receive the inner shaft2016 while allowing translation of the inner shaft 2016 therethrough. Astop surface 2022 is supported on a proximal end of the inner shaft 2016and is positioned to engage the shipping wedge 2100 to prevent fulldistal translation of the inner shaft 2016 to the extended position froma partially retracted position or the shipping position.

The method also includes inserting the interface 2110 through the slot2018 in the housing 2012 such that the interface 2110 engages the stopsurface 2022 to prevent full distal translation of the inner shaft 2016relative to the housing 2012.

A method of deploying a specimen pouch 22, 122 of a specimen retrievaldevice 2000 is also disclosed and includes providing a specimenretrieval device 2000 including a housing 2012 having a slot 2018defined therein and an outer shaft 2014 connected to the housing 2012and extending distally therefrom. The outer shaft 2014 includes a bore2011 extending therethrough. An inner shaft 2016 is included and isdisposed within the bore 2011 of the outer shaft 2014 and istranslatable therethrough, the inner shaft 2016 including a channel 2017defined at a distal end that extends across an outer periphery of theinner shaft 2016. The inner shaft 2016 also includes a support mechanism28 (See FIG. 6) configured to releasably support a specimen pouch 22,122 at a distal end thereof and a flexible finger 2019 disposed on theinner shaft 2016 proximal to the channel 2017. A stop surface 2022 isdisposed at a proximal-most portion 2016 a of the inner shaft 2016.

A removable shipping wedge is also provided and includes an interface2110 at a distal end thereof configured to encompass the outer peripheryof the inner shaft 2016 while allowing translation of the inner shaft2016 therethrough.

The method also includes: inserting the interface 2110 through the slot2018 in the housing 2012 such that the interface 2110 engages the stopsurface 2022 at the proximal-most potion 2016 a of the inner shaft 2016to prevent initial distal translation of the inner shaft 2016 relativeto the housing 2012; proximally translating the inner shaft 2016relative to the housing 2012 from a first position wherein the stopsurface 2022 engages the interface 2110 of the shipping wedge 2100 toprevent distal translation of the inner shaft 2016 to a second positionwherein the interface 2110 of the shipping wedge 2100 aligns with thechannel 2017 of the inner shaft 2016; removing the shipping wedge 2100through the slot 2018 in the housing 2012; and distally translating theinner shaft 2016 relative to the housing 2012 to deploy the specimenpouch 22, 122.

The proximally translating step of the method may also include biasingthe flexible finger 2019 of the inner shaft 2016 past the interface 2110of the shipping wedge 2100 to position the flexible finger 2019 on aproximal side of the interface when the inner shaft 2016 is translatedto the second or fully retracted position; and preventing distalmovement of the inner shaft 2016 relative to the housing 2012 until theshipping wedge 2100 is removed.

Referring to FIGS. 28-33, a specimen retrieval device 3000 according toanother embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Asmentioned above, it is advantageous to ship the specimen pouch 22, 122in a deployed condition to reduce the likelihood of memory wrinklesbeing formed on pouch 22, 122. Similar to the specimen retrieval devicesdescribed above, the pouch 22, 122 is shipped in an unfolded anddeployed configuration, positioned externally of the outer shaft 3014with the stripper plate, e.g., stripper plate 170 (FIG. 7) positionedwithin the outer shaft 3014.

As with the other specimen retrieval devices described above, the innershaft 3016 is prevented from moving distally until the specimen pouch22, 122 is first withdrawn into the outer shaft 3014 to facilitatepositioning the specimen retrieval device 3000 within a surgical cavitythrough a small incision or cannula. Thereafter, the outer shaft 3014may be positioned within a patient in a manner as described above andthe specimen pouch 22, 122 subsequently deployed.

FIG. 28 shows specimen retrieval device 3000 which includes a housing3012 that supports inner and outer shafts 3016 and 3014, respectively.Inner shaft 3016 is selectively translatable through outer shaft 3014and defines a longitudinally extending cam slot 3018 having first andsecond portions 3017 and 3019. A torsion spring 3100 has a first end3120 fixedly engaged to a first end of the housing 3012 (or the outershaft 3014) and a second end 3115 dimensioned to ride within cam slot3018 as detailed below. The torsion spring 3100 is in tension to urgeend 3115 of torsion spring 3100 towards end 3120 of the torsion spring3100. However, inner shaft 3016 is rotatably fixed within the outershaft 3014 by respective geometries of the outer and inner shafts 3014,3016 to prevent rotation of the inner shaft 3016 in relation to thehousing 3012. A channel 3021 is defined between the distal ends of thefirst and second portions 3017 and 3019 of the cam slot 3018 and isconfigured to facilitate translation of the second end 3115 of thetorsion spring 3100 from the first portion 3017 to the second portion3019 of cam slot 3018 as discussed in further detail below.

First portion 3017 of cam slot 3018 is shorter than the second portion3019 of the cam slot 3018 by a distance “X”. The distance “X” representsthe dwell distance required for deploying the stripper plate, e.g., thestripper plate 170, from the outer shaft 3014 as will be discussed infurther detail below. It is envisioned that the dwell distance “X” canbe greater than the distance the stripper plate is positioned within theouter shaft 3014 such that the inner shaft 3016 may be translateddistally to or beyond the dwell distance “X” to deploy the stripperplate 170 from the outer shaft 3014 (See FIGS. 7-10).

As best shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 prior to use, a clinician unpacks thespecimen retrieval device 3000 from its shipping container and readiesthe device 3000 for insertion within a surgical cavity. The end 3115 ofthe torsion spring 3100 is initially positioned adjacent the proximalend of the first portion 3017 of cam slot 3018 with the inner shaft 3016in a partially retracted position. Engagement of the end 3115 of thetorsion spring 3100 with a proximal end wall of the first portion 3017of cam slot 3018 prevents further distal movement of the inner shaft3016 with respect to the housing 3012 to the extended position toprevent inadvertent deployment of the specimen pouch 22, 122 and thestripper plate, e.g., stripper plate 170, from the outer shaft 3014.

In use, housing 3012 is secured by a clinician with one hand and theproximal end 3023 of the inner shaft 3016 is retracted in relation tothe housing 3012 to withdraw the specimen pouch 22, 122 into the distalend of the outer shaft 3014. As the inner shaft 3016 is retracted, theend 3115 of torsion spring 3100 rides distally along the first portion3017 of the cam slot 3018 until the end 3115 of the torsion spring 3100reaches the distal end of the first portion 3017 at the fully retractedposition of the inner shaft 3016 (FIG. 30). At this point, the tensionof the torsion spring 3100 causes movement of the end 3115 of torsionspring 3100 along the channel 321 of the cam slot 3018 from the firstportion 3017 to the second portion 3019 of the cam slot 3018 (See FIGS.30 and 31). The clinician is then free to translate the inner shaft 3016distally as the end 3115 of the torsion spring 3100 translates alongsecond portion 3019 of the cam slot 3018 an additional distance “X”(FIG. 28) (the length of the offset “X” between portions 3017 and 3019)to deploy the specimen pouch 22, 122 and the stripper plate from theouter shaft 3014 (See FIG. 33).

It is envisioned that one or more torsion or helical springs 3100 may beutilized to accomplish a similar purpose. Various known audible ortactile elements may be utilized to provide feedback to the clinicianthat the inner shaft 3016 is fully retracted and that the specimen pouch22, 122 has been adequately withdrawn into the outer shaft 3014. Forexample, the clinician may feel or hear a snap or release as the torsionspring 3100 transitions from the first portion 3017 to the secondportion 3019 of cam slot 3018 through the channel 321 of the cam slot3018.

A method of deploying a specimen pouch 22, 122 of a specimen retrievaldevice 3000 is also disclosed and includes providing a specimenretrieval device 3000 including a housing 3012 and an outer shaft 3014connected to the housing 3012 and extending distally therefrom, theouter shaft 3014 having a bore 3011 extending therethrough; providing aninner shaft 3016 disposed within the bore 3011 of the outer shaft 3014,the inner shaft 3016 being selectively translatable therethrough, theinner shaft 3016 including a support mechanism 28 (See FIG. 6)configured to releasably support a specimen pouch 22, 122 of thespecimen retrieval device 3000 at a distal end thereof; the inner shaft3016 including a cam slot 3018 defined in an outer periphery thereof,the cam slot 3018 including first and second portions 3017, 3019 definedwithin the inner shaft 3016 and extending therealong and a channel 3021defined therebetween.

The method also includes: securing a first end 3120 of a torsion spring3100 to the housing 3012 and positioning a second end 3115 of thetorsion spring 3100 within the cam slot 3018, wherein the second end3115 of the torsion spring 3100 is initially positioned at a proximalend of the first portion 3017 of the cam slot 3018 to prevent initialdistal translation of the inner shaft 3016 relative to the housing 3012;proximally translating the inner shaft 3016 with respect to the housing3012 to move the second end 3115 of the torsion spring 3100 within thecam slot 3018 from a first position located at the proximal end of thefirst portion 3017 of the cam slot 3018 to a second position located ata distal end of the first portion 3017 of the cam slot 3018 to allow thesecond end 3115 of the torsion spring 3100 to transition under the biasof the torsion spring 3100 along the channel 3021 from the distal end ofthe first portion 3017 into the distal end of the second portion 3019 ofthe cam slot 3018; and distally translating the inner shaft 3016relative to the housing 3012 to deploy the specimen pouch 22, 122.

FIGS. 34A-38 illustrate another embodiment of a specimen retrievaldevice 4000 having a shipping lockout in the form of a removableshipping wedge 4100. Specimen retrieval device 4000 is similar to thespecimen retrieval devices detailed above and, accordingly, only thosefeatures unique to specimen retrieval device 4000 are described herein.Specifically, a clinician must initially move the inner shaft 4016 froma partially retracted position (FIG. 34B) proximally in relation to theouter shaft 4014 to a retracted position (FIG. 36B) to withdraw thespecimen pouch 22, 122 into the outer shaft 4014 and facilitate releaseof the shipping wedge 4100. Thereafter, the outer shaft 4014 may bepositioned within a patient as described above and the specimen pouch22, 122 subsequently deployed.

As with the other specimen retrieval devices described above, the innershaft 4016 is prevented from moving distally from a partially refractedposition or the shipping position until the specimen pouch 22, 122 iswithdrawn into the outer shaft 4014 to facilitate positioning of thespecimen retrieval device 4000 within a body cavity.

Specimen retrieval device 4000 includes a housing 4012 that supportsouter and inner shafts 4014 and 4016. Inner shaft 4016 is selectivelytranslatable through a longitudinal bore 4011 defined within the outershaft 4014. The inner shaft 4016 defines a cam slot 4017 that extendslongitudinally along its length. Cam slot 4017 includes proximal anddistal ends 4013 and 4015, respectively. Each of the ends 4013 and 4015defines a stop surface as will be discussed in further detail below. Thedistal end 4015 of the cam slot 4017 includes a ramp-like surface 4018which transitions into a notch 4019. The shipping wedge 4100 issupported about the inner shaft 4016 between a handle 4023 of the innershaft 4016 and the housing 4012 to prevent the inner shaft 4016 frombeing advanced to the extended position prior to the shipping wedge 4100being removed from the device 4000. The notch 4019 is defined at adistal-most end of the cam slot 4017 and is configured to facilitateremoval of the shipping wedge 4100 from the specimen retrieval device4000 as described in detail below. The notch 4019 is positioned at thedistal end of the cam slot 4017 and defines a stop surface 4019 a

The shipping wedge 4100 includes a body 4105 defining a cutout 4105 a(FIG. 34A) and having a flange 4110 extending from an upper surface ofthe body 4105. The flange 4110 has a resilient finger 4112 that extendsinto the cutout 4105. The finger 4112 extends downwardly from flange4110 through the cutout 4105 a and is dimensioned to ride within camslot 4017 (See FIGS. 34B, 35A and 35B). The finger 4112 is insertedlaterally into the notch 4019. Thereafter, the inner shaft 4016 is moveddistally to position the finger 4112 in the cam slot 4017 to lock theshipping wedge 4100 onto the shipping device. More specifically, theshipping wedge 4100 must have the finger 4112 aligned with the notch4019 to allow removal of the shipping wedge 4100 from the device 4000.

The shipping wedge 4100 includes one or more supports 4115 a and 4115 b(see FIG. 34A) that extend from the body 4105 of shipping wedge 4100.Each of the supports is configured to engage the housing 4012, e.g.,finger rings 4012 a and 4012 b (see FIG. 35A). Supports 4115 a and 4115b are configured to mount the shipping wedge 4100 to the housing 4012. Aremoval tab 4113 is disposed on the body 4105 which is configured toallow the shipping wedge 4100 to be grasped and laterally removed fromthe device 4000.

Prior to use, engagement of the finger 4112 with the proximal end 4013of the cam slot 4017 prevents further advancement of the inner shaft4016 in relation to the outer shaft 4014 to the extended position. Inuse, housing 4012 is grasped by a clinician with one hand and theproximal end or handle 4023 of the inner shaft 4016 is retracted towithdraw the specimen pouch 22, 122 (FIG. 7) into the distal end of theouter shaft 4014. As the inner shaft 4016 is retracted, finger 4112 ofthe flange 4110 rides within cam slot 4017 until the finger 4112 engagesthe ramp-like surface 4018. Ramp-like surface 4018 deforms the finger4112 to provide a tactile feedback to the clinician that the finger 4112is approaching the notch 4019 at the distal end of cam slot 4017. Whenthe resilient finger 4112 snaps over ramp-like surface 4018, thepositioning of the finger 4112 between the stop surface 4019 a and thedistal end of the cam slot 4017 prevents the inner shaft 4016 from beingadvanced or retracted in relation to the outer shaft 4014 prior to theshipping wedge 4100 being removed from the device 4000.

Once the inner shaft 4016 is moved to the retracted position to positionthe resilient finger 4112 in the notch 4119, the clinician may pull theremoval tab 4113 of the shipping wedge 4100 laterally in the direction“R” (FIG. 36A) to remove the shipping wedge 4100 from the specimenretrieval device 4000. Once removed, the clinician is then free totranslate the inner shaft 4016 distally to deploy the specimen pouch 22,122 from the outer shaft 4014 (See FIGS. 37 and 38). A method ofpreventing inadvertent deployment of a specimen pouch 22, 122 of aspecimen retrieval device 4000 is also disclosed and includes supportinga removable shipping wedge 4100 on a housing 4012 of a specimenretrieval device such that a finger 4112 of a spring-like flange 4110 ofthe shipping wedge 4100 is disposed within a cam slot 4017 defined in aninner shaft of the device, with the finger 4112 in abutting relationwith a proximal end 4013 of a cam slot 4017 to prevent initial distaltranslation of the inner shaft 4016 relative to the housing 4012.

A method of deploying a specimen pouch 22, 122 of a specimen retrievaldevice 4000 is also disclosed and includes providing a specimenretrieval device 4000 having a housing 4012 and an outer shaft 4014connected to the housing 4012 and extending distally therefrom, theouter shaft 4014 defining a longitudinal bore 4011 extendingtherethrough. An inner shaft 4016 is disposed within the bore 4011 ofthe outer shaft 4016 and is translatable therethrough, the inner shaft4016 including a support mechanism 28 (FIGS. 7-11) configured toreleasably support a specimen pouch 22, 122 of the specimen retrievaldevice 4000 at the distal end thereof. The inner shaft 4016 also definesa cam slot 4017 that extends therealong, the cam slot 4017 including aproximal end 4013 and a distal end 4015 having a notch 4019 definedtherein. A removable shipping wedge 4100 having a body 4105 is securedabout the inner shaft 4016 between a handle 4023 of the inner shaft 4016and the housing 4012. The shipping wedge 4100 includes a spring-likeflange 4110 which extends from an upper surface thereof having a finger4112 at a distal end of the flange 4110, the finger 4112 beingdimensioned to ride within the cam slot 4017. One or more supports 4115a and 4115 b extend from opposing ends of the body 4105 and each support4115 a and 4115 b is configured to engage an opposing side of thehousing 4012.

The method also includes: engaging the removable shipping wedge 4100 tothe housing 4012 and the inner shaft 4016 such that the finger 4112 ofthe spring-like flange 4110 is disposed in abutting relation with theproximal end 4013 of the cam slot 4017 to prevent initial distaltranslation of the inner shaft 4016 relative to the housing 4012;retracting the inner shaft 4016 relative to the housing 4012 such thatthe finger 4112 of the spring-like flanges 4110 rides along the cam slot4017 and bottoms out in the notch 4019 at a distal end of the cam slot4017; removing the shipping wedge 4100 from the housing 4012 and theinner shaft 4016; and distally translating the inner shaft 4016 withrespect the housing 4012 to deploy the specimen pouch 22, 122.

In addition to the foregoing, the specimen retrieval devices, 10, 110,210, 310, 410, 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 may be configured for use withother pouch configurations and/or release mechanisms. Such pouchconfigurations and their associated release mechanisms are described incommonly-owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/771,129entitled “Specimen Retrieval Device With Pouch Stop,” filed by Malkowskiet al. on Mar. 1, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in thedrawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, asit is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art willallow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the abovedescription should not be construed as limiting, but merely asexemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the artwill envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of theclaims appended hereto. Additionally, it is envisioned that the elementsand features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplaryembodiment may be combined with the elements and features of anotherwithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and thatsuch modifications and variations are also intended to be includedwithin the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the inventionis not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described,except as indicated by the appended claims.

1-21. (canceled)
 22. A specimen retrieval device, comprising: a housing;an outer shaft extending distally from the housing, the outer shaftdefining a longitudinal bore; an inner shaft movably disposed within thelongitudinal bore of the outer shaft; a support mechanism secured to adistal end of the inner shaft; a specimen pouch supported by the supportmechanism; first and second interfaces spaced longitudinally on theinner shaft; and a cam lock pivotally coupled to the housing and movablefrom a first position wherein the cam lock is positioned to engage thefirst interface of the inner shaft to prevent distal translation of theinner shaft relative to the housing to an extended position, to a secondposition wherein the cam lock is positioned to allow distal translationof the inner shaft relative to the housing to the extended position tofacilitate deployment of the specimen pouch, wherein proximaltranslation of the inner shaft within the outer shaft from a partiallyretracted position to a fully retracted position causes the secondinterface of the inner shaft to engage and move the cam lock to thesecond position.
 23. The specimen retrieval device according to claim22, wherein the cam lock is rotatable from the first position to thesecond position about a pivot member coupled to the housing.
 24. Thespecimen retrieval device according to claim 23, wherein the cam lockdefines a pivot hole, the pivot member being received within the pivothole to pivotally couple the cam lock to the housing, at least one ofthe pivot hole and the pivot member being shaped such that rotation ofthe cam lock relative to the pivot causes the pivot to frictionallyengage the cam lock to lock the cam lock in the second position.
 25. Thespecimen retrieval device according to claim 22, wherein the cam lockincludes first and second portions, wherein in the first position of thecam lock, the first portion is positioned to cooperate with the firstinterface of the inner shaft to prevent distal translation of the innershaft relative to the housing to the extended position and the firstportion is positioned to cooperate with the second interface to rotatethe cam lock to the second position upon proximal translation of theinner shaft from the partially retracted position to the fully retractedposition to allow subsequent distal translation of the inner shaftrelative to the housing.
 26. The specimen retrieval device according toclaim 25, wherein the second portion of the cam lock is positioned andconfigured to lock the cam lock in the second position.
 27. The specimenretrieval device according to claim 26, wherein the second portion ofthe cam lock is positioned offset relative to the first plane and isconfigured to engage a side of the inner shaft to prevent rotation ofthe cam lock, from the first position in a direction away from thesecond position to prevent distal translation of the inner shaft. 28.The specimen retrieval device according to claim 26, wherein the firstportion of the cam lock has dimensions different from the second portionof the cam lock.
 29. A specimen retrieval device, comprising: a housing;an outer shaft connected to the housing and extending distallytherefrom, the outer shaft defining a longitudinal bore extendingtherethrough; an inner shaft movably disposed within the longitudinalbore of the outer shaft and translatable therethrough; a supportmechanism configured to releasably support a specimen pouch at a distalend of the inner shaft; an first interface disposed on the inner shaft;and a cam lock pivotably coupled to the housing and moveable from afirst position wherein the cam lock prevents distal translation of theinner shaft relative to the housing to a second position wherein the camlock allows distal translation of the inner shaft relative to thehousing to facilitate deployment of the specimen pouch, the cam lockincluding first and second portions, the first portion cooperating withthe first interface to rotate the cam lock to the second position uponproximal translation of the inner shaft to allow subsequent distaltranslation of the inner shaft relative to the housing and the secondportion of the cam lock cooperating with a side of the inner shaft toprevent initial distal translation of the inner shaft relative to thehousing when the cam lock is disposed in the first position.
 30. Thespecimen retrieval device according to claim 29, further including asecond interface disposed on the inner shaft proximally of the firstinterface, the first portion of the cam lock cooperating with the secondinterface to prevent distal translation of the inner shaft when the camlock is in the first position.
 31. The specimen retrieval deviceaccording to claim 30, wherein the first portion of the cam lock isdisposed within a first plane and is configured to cooperate with thefirst and second interfaces positioned on a top of the inner shaft andthe second portion is offset relative to the first plane and isconfigured to cooperate with a side of the inner shaft.
 32. A specimenretrieval device, comprising: a housing; an outer shaft extendingdistally from the housing, the outer shaft defining a longitudinal bore;an inner shaft movably disposed within the longitudinal bore of theouter shaft, the inner shaft defining a channel; a support mechanismsupported on a distal end of the inner shaft; a specimen pouch supportedat a distal end of the inner shaft; first and second interfaces disposedat respective proximal and distal ends of the channel of the innershaft; a cam lock pivotably coupled to the housing and moveable from afirst position wherein the cam lock is positioned to prevent distaltranslation of the inner shaft relative to the housing to a secondposition wherein the cam lock is positioned to allow distal translationof the inner shaft relative to the housing to facilitate deployment ofthe specimen pouch, the cam lock including first and second portions,the first portion extending into the channel and cooperating with thefirst interface to prevent initial distal translation of the inner shaftrelative to the housing when the cam lock is disposed in the firstposition, and the first portion cooperating with the second interface toeffect movement of the cam lock from the first position to the secondposition upon proximal translation of the inner shaft to allow distaltranslation of the inner shaft relative to the housing; and a springcoupled to the housing and cooperating with the second portion of thecam lock to retain the cam lock in the second position upon fullproximal translation of the inner shaft relative to the housing.
 33. Thespecimen retrieval device according to claim 32, wherein the secondportion of the cam lock rotates against the bias of the spring as thecam lock moves from the first position to the second position, thesecond portion of the cam lock including a distal end configured to lockagainst the spring once the cam lock is rotated to the second position.34-50. (canceled)